ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar said on Saturday, April 16, courted the women's vote in this city, saying that he will fight to protect the their rights, even on social media if elected president.
"Isusulong natin ang pagpapalawak ng Anti-Violence against Women and the Children Act of 2004. Magiging sakop na rito ang karahasan sa kababaihan gamit ang social media at iba pang komunikasyong technology," said Binay to a mostly female crowd at the Yakan Weaving Center in Zamboanga City.
(We will push for the expansion of the Anti-Violence against Women and the Children Act of 2004. It will provisions on the violence against women on social media and other forms of communications technology.)
"Ito hong karahasan, kasama ho dito 'yung di pagbibigay ng respeto sa kababaihan. Karahasan din po 'yan (Violence includes the lack of respect for women)," added the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer, who wore a traditional Yakan outfit.
He then signed a manifesto with 5 other local women's groups to promise that he would follow through on his plans to protect women's rights if he wins in May:
- Uphold women's participation and empowerment
- Provide better healthcare for women, including free pre-natal check-ups, medicines, and vitamins
- Create refugee and assistance centers for teenage mothers
- Protect women from violence and abuse, "including cyber crime"
- Ensure reasonable working conditions, including the provision of additional days for maternity and pre-natal leave
- Support proposed measures seeking gender equality which will ensure greater access to opportunities for the development of women
"A Binay government vows to work with women stakeholders to ensure that the lives of Filipino women will truly be protected and improved," read the manifesto.
It was signed by Evelinda Otong of the Yakan Women's Weaver group, Lillian Arabaca of the Rural Improvement Club, Alicia Tubilla of the Zamboanga City Homeowners and People's Organization Foundation, Marissa Aizon of the Tetuan's Women's Federation, and Marjorie Teresa of the Federacion del Maga Kagawad de Zamboanga.
Binay was accompanied by UNA Senate bets Princess Jacel Kiram, broadcaster Rey Langit, labor lawyer Allan Montaño, Parañaque Councilor Alma Moreno, and former Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas Jr.
Another hit vs Duterte
Binay again took the opportunity to take a jab at presidential poll front-runner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
"Merong isang kandidato, ang tingin sa mga kababaihan ay pulos katulong lamang. Ang kandidatong presidenteng ito, macho-macho kasi pero saksakan ng yabang. Bukod sa pinagyayabang ang pagpatay sa kapwa-tao, itong kandidatong ito, walang respeto sa babae," said Binay.
(There's another candidate who regards women as merea house helpers. This candidate acts all macho and is a total braggart. Apart from boasting that he kills people, this candidate does not have respect for women.)
"Sinasabi niya, kapag kasama mo na ang babae, ano ba ang gagawin mo diyan? Susmaryosep. Ay hindi e. Parang commodity. So pagkaingatan ninyo, isipin niyo kung iboboto niyo ang isang kandidato na walang respeto sa kababaihan," added the Vice President.
(He says that if you're in the company of a woman, what else will you do? Jesus Mary Joseph. That's not right [to treat them] like commodities. So think carefully if you should vote for a candidate who has no respect for women.)
Duterte is known to kiss women supporters on the lips on the campaign trail, and to make earthy jokes about this.
While the tough-talking mayor has publicly admitted that he is a womanizer, he has also sought to protect women's rights in Davao City.
The Vice President was also able to get the endorsement of a group of Mindanao religious leaders, who said they prefer him over Duterte.
On Saturday, Binay finished his 4-day campaign in Zamboanga, which has a total of 1.9 million voters.– Rappler.com