By Virginia Jasmin Pasalo

 

IN 2016, I delivered a speech in Bayambang for the celebration of the Singkapital, the 402-year-old town’s commemoration as the fifth capital of the First Philippine Republic and the final seat of the short-lived First Philippine Republic. Bayambang also served as provincial capital during the Japanese occupation. It is also the beloved town of a very good friend and fellow Urduja, Sister Mary John Mananzan.

Bayambang is currently under the leadership of Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao, who won in the 2022 elections with her running mate, Vice-Mayor Ian Camille Sabangan. This was the first time that two women were elected in the two top positions in the municipality, both taking over from their spouses, former mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, and Vice-Mayor Raul Ramirez Sabangan. For most women in the political spectrum, it is through this path that women take off in their careers as officials in government.

Solita Garduño Collás-Monsod (Mareng Winnie), the 5th Director General of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), who concurrently served as Minister of Economic Planning during President Corazon Aquino, has been vocal about her preference for women in positions of public trust, even today. She believes that women are equally-capable, more honest, and more organized, given their temperament and crucial role as economic managers in Filipino families.

Aside from marriage to men/families with political and business influence, women born to political and business families have a good chance of winning in Philippine politics. Such is the path taken by Nancy Binay, daughter of former Vice-President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, Imee Marcos, daughter of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Cynthia Villar, and Pia Cayetano, daughter of the late Senator Rene Cayetano.

Another path taken by women is through the party list system, now being used by the entrenched political families as well, except for those nominated by a few cause-oriented groups such as Arlene Duran Brosas, currently a member of the House of Representatives under the Gabriela Party List. Brosas comes from a family of fishers and peasants. She is now running as Senator under Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan), a political coalition of Philippine progressive parties, including Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, ACT Teachers and Kabataan.

Still, another path for women desiring a political career is through a solid history of   dedication, credibility and trustworthiness. Such is the path taken by Heidi Macaraan Lloce-Mendoza, former Commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) and former Undersecretary General for the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight. Mendoza’s father is a policeman.

Mendoza was the state auditor who exposed anomalous transactions in Makati City government under former mayors Elenita and Jejomar Binay, parents of Senator Nancy Binay, pertaining to the purchase of overpriced medical supplies and the costly construction of the city hall’s parking building. She exposed corrupt practices, include bribery and money laundering allegations against former AFP Comptroller Major General Carlos Garcia, as well as the misappropriation of government funds by former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Zacaria Candao (extracted from Philippine Star, 08 October 2024).

The last path is long and difficult, unless you have the heart of a patriot. It is patriotism that inspired SARANGGOLA, a joint initiative of individuals and NGOs seeking to educate and develop a skill set for women and the youth who possess the audacity to become the new leaders we desperately deserve.

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