SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENAT 
S.B. No. iese
•18 
FrR 15 P1 42
Introduced by SENATOR ANA THERESIA "RISA" HONTIVEROS-BARAQUIEL
liP n  l . r . j  ■■■•
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AN ACT
PROMOTING WOMEN PARTICIPATION AND EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION IN AND BY 
POLITICAL PARTIES, GIVING INCENTIVES THEREFOR, CREATING THE WOMEN IN 
POLITICAL PARTIES EMPOWERMENT FUND, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Women have been at the cornerstone of the development of Philippine society. The numerous 
contributions of women have continuously shown their invaluable worth to society. Their importance has 
been enshrined in our 1987 Constitution, highlighting the role of women in nation building; ensuring the 
equality between women and men. But while the Philippines remains to be at the forefront of tilting the 
gender gap, this has not translated to women in the highest forms of government.
The Philippines ranks top ten (10) in the Global Gender Gap Index according to the World Economic- 
forum, slipping three (3) spots from last year. The country also belongs to the top thirteen (13) in terms of 
Political Empowerment. This, however has not translated to an increase in women leadership in politics 
and governance. In all of our electoral experiences, there have been more men participating and winning 
the elections. Only two (2) out of our sixteen (16) Commander-in-chiefs have been women. In the 17th 
Congress, only six (6) of the twenty-four (24) senators are women; while only eighty-three (83) out of the 
two hundred ninety-four (294) seats in the Lower house are occupied by women. The current Supreme 
Court houses only three (3) women justices.
There is an abundance of laws and international treaties encouraging the State to take action in ensuring 
the participation of women in government. Among them is the Magna Carta for Women that seeks to 
address the inequality and discrimination of women in society. Section 11 of the Magna Carta emphasizes 
the role of the State in facilitating the equitable representation of women in policy-making and 
governance. The Philippines has also been a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of 
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which upholds the fundamental equality of men and women. 
Article 8 of the CEDAW also provides for States to take appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination 
and participate in government policy in all levels of government.
Genuine political parties, as essential components of electoral politics would count among the more 
structured and efficient means by which women are encouraged and developed into effective leaders. 
With the need for a more equitable representation for women in all levels of society, this bill aims to 
address this particular gap by institutionalizing an incentive system within political parties to encourage 
more women participation in politics and governance, thus creating a more gender-balanced public 
service system. Providing incentives to political parties to strengthen their gender and development 
agenda, and fielding women candidates shall promote equal representation and ensure that women's 
interests and needs will be included in decision-making processes in all levels of government.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ANA THERESIA “RISA" HONTIV^ROS-BARAQUEL