Summary of "PRESS CONFERENCE (MARCH 3, 2025)"

Press Conference Summary - March 3, 2025

The press conference featured House Committee on Women and Gender Equality Chairperson Geraldine B. Roman and House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega, who discussed various issues related to gender equality and current legislative matters in the Philippines.

Key Points from the Conference

Celebration of Women's Month: Both presenters emphasized the importance of National Women's Month, acknowledging the contributions of women and the need for men to support gender equality.
Legislative Achievements and Challenges:
- Roman highlighted the passage of the divorce bill in the House of Representatives but noted delays in the Senate. She expressed the need for reforms in the Family Code, which currently prioritizes husbands in various decisions.
- The committee aims to amend the Family Code to ensure equal standing for men and women within families.
- They discussed the importance of the Safe Spaces Act and accountability for public officials regarding their conduct.
Empowerment of Women in Politics: Roman mentioned initiatives to encourage women's participation in politics, such as requiring political parties to have a minimum percentage of female candidates.
Addressing Fake News: The presenters discussed the growing issue of fake news, particularly its impact on women and minors. They proposed the creation of a Digital Council of the Philippines to establish a code of ethics for content creators and regulate social media.
National Security Concerns: The discussion touched on the influence of foreign powers, particularly China, on Philippine politics and territory. Roman and Ortega urged voters to be critical of candidates' loyalties and their positions on national sovereignty.
Infrastructure and Governance: The collapse of a bridge in Isabela raised questions about infrastructure management and the need for accountability in government projects.
Impeachment and Political Strategy: The presenters commented on ongoing impeachment proceedings, suggesting that political maneuvers may be distracting from pressing national issues.

In conclusion, both Roman and Ortega expressed hope for further progress in gender equality legislation and the importance of active citizen engagement in political matters.

Presenters

Geraldine B. Roman (Chairperson, House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, Bataan First District Representative)
Paolo Ortega (House Deputy Majority Leader, La Union First District Representative)