Women lawmakers to preside over today’s House session

MANILA, Philippines — Women officials and members of the House of Representatives will be presiding over today’s session, in celebration of Women’s Month and in accordance with the internal rules of the chamber.

The designation of lady lawmakers as presiding officers and leaders “reflects the importance the House leadership puts on the role of its women members and Filipino women in general in lawmaking, in nation building, and in society,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

“The House leadership champions women empowerment, gender equality, and gender balance. Women have constantly become our guidepost in making critical decisions affecting our families, our communities, and our nation. They are our strong moral pillars,” he said.

International Women’s Day on March 8 falls on a Friday, which is a non-session day for the House.

As per Section 15 (h), Rule IV of the House rules, the Speaker designated the following members to preside over today’s session successively:

Reps. Linabelle Ruth Villarica (4th District, Bulacan), Stella Luz Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina City), Maria Rachel Arenas (3rd District, Pangasinan), Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez (ALONA Partylist), Laarni Lavin Roque (4th District, Bukidnon);

Reps. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel (Malabon City), Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy (2nd District, Caloocan City), Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan), Glona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte) and Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan).

Bataan 3rd District Rep. Maria Angela Garcia will act as the House majority leader while Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera will be the House minority leader.

Romualdez expressed his “deep gratitude” to his women-colleagues, to Filipino women, and especially “to the Speaker of my House,” referring to Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, chairperson of the House committee on accounts of Tingog Partylist.

“We thank them not only for their participation in nation building but particularly in tending to our households and caring or helping care for our families and guiding them to the path of righteousness,” he said.

Women legislators are expected to lead the passage of pro-women and children bills and the