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Robredo gets endorsement of rights lawyers, former Philippine Commission on Women execs and staff

Xave Gregorio - Philstar.com
Robredo gets endorsement of rights lawyers, former Philippine Commission on Women execs and staff
Vice President Leni Robredo speaks at the Surigao City People’s Rally on Tuesday evening, March 8, 2022, held at the Tavern Hotel Compound in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
VP Leni Media Bureau / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Over a hundred former officials and employees of the Philippine Commission on Women and over 150 human rights lawyers have joined the chorus of various sectors backing Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid.

Former PCW officials and other womens’ rights advocates said in a statement that there is a need for an "extraordinary leader" like Robredo during these "extraordinary times" when the country has slipped in global rankings on gender equality and women are adversely impacted by the pandemic.

The PCW is the government policy-making and coordinating body on advancing the role of women in the country.

They said that the country needs a president who:

 

  • Strongly believes in inclusivity and in the equal treatment of all and values everyone’s contributions regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other differentiating identity
     
  • Has a track record of support for grassroots-based leadership and of listening to all directly affected by policy measures
     
  • Has an exceptional history of judicious management of government resources and the proper implementation of programs
     
  • Exemplifies political maturity, thereby inspiring ordinary citizens to do good

 

They also noted Robredo’s experience as an alternative lawyer — or a lawyer who works in development legal assistance, human rights and social justice. Robredo handled cases relating to violence against women and their children, and, as a legislator, filed laws and created livelihood opportunities to empower women.

They said Robredo recognizes the need to support the passage of an anti-discrimination law, create more daycare centers to allow mothers to work, improve access to justice for victims of abuse and violence especially among women, children and other vulnerable groups.

They added that she also sees the need for expanding access to affordable and comprehensive women’s health care, improving gender-responsiveness in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management, and improving the dissemination of information on government programs and services that are geared towards realizing gender equality and the empowerment of all girls and women.

"We believe that Leni Robredo is the only candidate who has the expertise, capability, and integrity to do all these," the former PCW officials and employees and other gender equality advocates said.

Work with poor and marginalized cited

For over 150 human rights lawyers, it is obvious that Robredo is the only choice for president, citing her experience as a lawyer for the poor and marginalized.

"[This] has made the case for her stronger, if not, no longer subject to dispute," they said.

They cited her experience in the alternative law group Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panlegal, where she handled cases for women, children, the urban poor, workers and fisherfolk.

"What she said in an interview is true; while she has only been a public official for nine years, she has been a public servant for most of her life," they said.

When she entered public office as a lawmaker, they said Robredo showed that "her mettle for government service has been equal to her zeal in civil society work."

"She has brought her sense of solidarity with poor people, sharpened by all the time spent with them, to public office," they added.

In endorsing Robredo for president, the human rights lawyers also recognized that many Filipinos are disillusioned and cynical in elections and believe that candidates are all the same.

"But they must look closer, in no other candidate can a better future be imagined, outlined in concrete details and informed by national experience," they said.

They added, "Other candidates are running to keep power in the family, to rehabilitate a soiled name, or to merely add a feather in their cap of personal achievements. But for Leni, the muse is first and foremost, service."

2022 ELECTIONS

LENI ROBREDO

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