Free MRT rides for women, all-female House session

MANILA, Philippines —  Women and girls can enjoy free rides today at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Light Rail Transit Line 2 in line with the celebration of International Women’s Day.

The free rides for women is the MRT-3’s way of thanking women for their roles in society, according to officer-in-charge and Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino.

It is also a way of honoring the talents and contributions of women in their respective fields and communities, added Administrator Hernando Cabrera of the Light Rail Transit Authority.

The House of Representatives also joined the celebration with its traditional All-Women Session.

Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica presided the session as acting speaker.

Pursuant to Section 15 (H) IV of the rules of the House of Representatives, Speaker Martin Romualdez designated committee on women and gender equality chairperson Rep. Geraldine Roman and Reps. Stella Luz Quimbo, Maria Rachel Arenas, Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez, Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Laarni Lavin Roque and Glona Labadlabad as presiding officers.

In addition, Rep. Maria Angela Garcia was designated majority leader with Reps. Angelica Natasha Co, Caroline Tanchay, Lolita Javier, Luz Mercado and Rhea Mae Gullas as deputy majority leaders.

Rep. Bernadette Herrera was minority leader, while Rep. France Castro acted as deputy minority leader.

Apart from Roman, eleven other women lawmakers delivered speeches to highlight ongoing and emerging women’s issues: Maria Fe Abunda, Richelle Singson, Ma. Cynthia Chan, Maria Jamina Katherine Agarao, Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Amparo Maria Zamora, Kristine Alexie Tutor, Marissa Magsino, Charisse Anne Hernandez, Ma. Alana Samantha Santos and Arlene Brosas.

“This meaningful celebration demonstrates our solidarity with women all over the country in honoring women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality,” Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said.

Romualdez is the chairperson of the 86-strong Association of Women Legislators Foundation Inc. (AWLFI) which leads the annual women’s month celebration in