Through HER Lens: Meet the Fearless Filipinas of Philippine Politics
- Liahona Fe Hoo Abejar
- Mar 24, 2022
- 2 min read
In terms of female leadership and empowerment, modern-day political figures like Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton quickly leap to mind. Fortunately, there are several more female leaders than we know of, from pioneer politicians to unconditional loving mothers. As the world comes to honor women in March, marking Women's Month, we look at our country's significant women political leaders whose legacies have stood the test of time.
Cory Aquino - former President of the Philippines
Aquino garnered the spotlight when she was elected as the first female president of the Republic of the Philippines. As president, she spearheaded drafting what the present-day Philippines is governed by, the 1987 Constitution. The 1987 Constitution limited the president's powers, successfully removing the previous dictatorial government system.
Gina Lopez - former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippine
As an environmentalist and philanthropist who served as Secretary of the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Lopez was known as the Philippine eco-warrior who fought against destructive mining practices in the country, a movement that traversed roles in private and public sectors. Her service to the country has built a legacy among Filipinos to care for the natural resources imparted to us.
Leni Robredo - Vice President of the Philippines
As the 14th Vice-President of the Philippines, Robredo-a lawyer, politician, and social activist headed the anti-poverty program Angat Buhay which profited 622,000 families in 223 cities and municipalities in the country since she took the seat in 2016. Robredo also accumulated the highest COA rating for the third successive year. Last October 2021, she filed her candidacy for president and is now campaigning for the presidential bid.
Miriam Santiago - former Senator of the Republic of the Philippines
Santiago was known for being an elected judge of the International Criminal Court and long-serving Senator of the Philippines. She was a politician who served in all three branches of the government and the sole woman recipient of the Philippines' highest national honor, the Quezon Service Cross. Her global fame, academic and professional excellence, and unquestioned honesty have earned the title "The President Filipinos never had."
Risa Hontiveros - Senator of the Philippines
A politician, community leader, and journalist serving as a senator since 2016, Hontiveros was the principal author of Senate Bill No.163, or the "Raising the Age of Sexual Consent Act," which aims to protect the youth from sexual exploitation and abuse. In the recent controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill, Hontiveros stood by the opposition due to the bill's ambiguity and unconstitutional; thus, having the public's support for her stand in favor of human rights.
