Philippines

Women leaders in the Asia-Pacific region who joined the International Women's Peace and Solidarity Mission to Basilan condemned the Philippine government's move to send thousand of troops to the province and neighboring Sulu.
To read the full article, please visit the Sun Star's Website.

The chair of the Gabriela Network USA, a Philippine-US women's rights solidarity organization, was prevented from leaving the Philippines last week after allegedly being placed on a watch list. Dr. Annalisa Enrile, also a University of Southern California professor, was barred by the Philippine Bureau of Immigrations on August 5 from boarding a flight from the Philippines back to her home in Los Angeles.
To read the full article, please visit the Feminist Daily's Website.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on women leaders to campaign for the modernization of voting, counting and canvassing as she pointed out that funds for the computerization of elections has long been provided. Arroyo said that women must help to liberate every Filipina from a life of poverty and exploitation not only through electoral reforms but in every other way to fulfill their hopes and dreams, free from fear and full of opportunity.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo challenged the Filipino women leaders to fully exercise their right to suffrage and help modernize the country not just in the electoral aspect but also in building a better Philippines.
To read the full article, please visit the PIA's Website.

A newly formed alliance of women’s organizations on Wednesday added its voice to growing calls for the President Arroyo’s resignation amid the corruption scandals plaguing her administration.
To read the full article, please visit Inquirer

Mayor Celso Lobregat has rallied the different sectors in the region to support the passage of the magna carta of women, a proposed law initiated by District I Congresswoman Beng Climaco that will ensure the integration of gender equality into the national development planning.
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The political persecution by the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration against incumbent Gabriela Women’s Party List Representative to the Philippine Congress, Liza Largoza-Maza and her colleagues, Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiňo and former Anak Pawis Representative Rafael Mariano continues.

The Philippines House of Representatives and Senate are nearing passage of a 'Magna Carta for Women' - a Bill that will codify the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). According to the Bill's sponsor, this legislation will "reaffirm the state’s commitment to the participation and empowerment of women in all aspects of the family, society and government.”

A pending bill on women's rights and gender education in the workplace gained ground in the House of Representatives as it passed second reading. The House of Representatives website said Monday House Bill 4374 underscores the role of employers and trade unions to help educate and inform workers.
To read the full article, please visit GMA News Website.