Maranao leader Gutoc-Tomawis files candidacy for 2019 polls

MANILA, Philippines — Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, will run for senator next year.

The outspoken Gutoc-Tomawis quit from her post as a member of the BTC after President Rodrigo Duterte joked that he would take responsibility for any soldier convicted of rape during martial law in Mindanao.

In an interview with before filing her certificate of candidacy on Thursday, Gutoc-Tomawis said she would push for legislation that would protect women and indigenous people.

"Tayo ay isang babaeng naninidigan. So ang aking legislation ay protecting women protecting minorities, iyong mga indigenous peoples. Ako lang iyong taga Mindanao sa opposition at bilang isang Mindanaoan, Bangsamoro at babae, at isa pang kabataan. I will really push for protection, protection legislation," she said in an interview with ABS-CBN.

"One for instance would be Marawi rehab. Kailangan ituloy-tuloy na iyon. Fast track. Debris clearing. Fast Track Marawi Rehabilitation. Pangalawa po, anti-discrimination legislation. Pangatlo, ecosystem protection."

Last July, she detailed accounts of martial law abuses from displaced Marawi City residents in an emotional testimony at a congressional session. 

Bangsamoro Transition Commission member Samira Gutoc-Tomawis is the 17th senatorial aspirant to file her COC. #Elections2019 @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/d6Ohazt7Kv

— Patricia Lourdes Viray (@patriciaviray) October 11, 2018

Gutoc-Tomawis who chose to run under the Liberal Party-led coalition said she believes it is the best time to run under the opposition.

"It's the best time... to be in the opposition. We oppose killings. Extra-judicial killings. I oppose Mindanao violence. I oppose Martial Law abuses. It is the best time para sa isang babae sa opposition para manindigan."

— Ian Nicolas Cigaral