Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 2711

Introduced by Representative
ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees the fundamental equality of women and men
before the law and affirms the vital role of women in nation building. In line with this,
Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women institutionalizes gender equality in
all spheres of society, including in governance. Yet, despite these legal safeguards, the
underrepresentation of women in local legislative bodies continues to hinder the
realization of inclusive and responsive policymaking, especially in areas affected by
poverty, conflict, and structural inequality.

This proposed measure seeks to mandate the appointment of at least one Women’s
Representative in every local legislative council, namely, the Sangguniang Pantalawigan,
Sangguniang Panlungsod, Sangguniang Bayan, and Sangguniang Barangay. The
Women’s Representative shall be appointed by the Local Chief Executive from a list
nominated by registered and/or accredited women’s organizations within the local
government unit. This mechanism ensures that women, particularly those organized at
the grassroots level, have a voice in the legislative bodies that shape local development.

The bill is grounded on existing national and international frameworks such as the Magna
Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Local Government Code (RA 7160), the National Action
Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS), and the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 10 (Reduced
Inequalities), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). It affirms the state’s
commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance as a foundation for sustainable
peace and development.

The passage of this bill is a step forward in creating more equitable, gender responsive,
and participatory local governance. It is not only a matter of justice but aiso a strategic
imperative for achieving inclusive and sustainable development throughout the country.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

/

\HMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG
istrict, Lanao del Sur

REP. ZIAUR-!
ast


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 2711

Introduced by Representative
ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

AN ACT
MANDATING THE APPOINTMENT OF WOMEN’S REPRESENTATIVES IN ALL
LOCAL LEGISLATIVE BODIES INCLUDING THE SANGGUNIANG
PANLALAWIGAN, SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD, SANGGUNIANG BAYAN,
AND SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY, PROVIDING FOR THEIR FUNCTIONS,
FUNDING, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title.

This Act shall be known as the “Women’s Representation in Local Legislative Councils
Act of 2025.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.

It is the policy of the State to uphold the fundamental equality of women and men
before the law and to ensure the full participation of women in all aspects of national
life, including in the crafting of local legislation and local governance. The State
recognizes that inclusive and gender-responsive governance is essential to the
promotion of social justice, national development, and lasting peace.

SECTION 3. Mandate.

Every local legislative body in the country—Provincial (Sangguniang Panlalawigan),
City (Sangguniang Panlungsod), Municipal (Sangguniang Bayan), and Barangay
(Sangguniang Barangay)—shall include one (1) appointed Women’s Representative
who shall sit as a non-voting ex officio member of the respective local sanggunian.

The Women’s Representative shall be appointed by the Local Chief Executive (i.e.,
Governor, City or Municipal Mayor, or Punong Barangay) from among the nominees
submitted by duly registered or accredited women’s organizations within the local
government unit.


SECTION 4. Qu

To qualify for appointment as a Women’s Representative, the nominee must:

ications.

a) Be a Filipino citizen;

b) Be a resident and registered voter of the concerned LGU for at least one (1)
year;

c) Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age at the time of appointment;

d) Have proven involvement in women’s organizations, gender advocacy, or
community development work for at least two (2) years;

) Be nominated through a process led by accredited women’s organizations and
the Local Gender and Development (GAD) Council.

SECTION 5. Functions and Responsibilities.
The Women’s Representative shall:

a) Represent the concerns, interests, and welfare of women and girls in the
community;

b) Recommend policies and legislation promoting gender equality and women
empowerment;

c) Monitor the implementation of gender-responsive programs in the LGU;
d) Serve as a member of the local GAD focal point system.

SECTION 6. Term of Office.

The Women’s Representative shall serve a term of three (3) years, concurrent with
the term of elected local officials. Reappointment shall be allowed for one (1) more
consecutive term only.

SECTION 7. Funding.

The expenses necessary for the operationalization of this Act shall be sourced from
the GAD Budget of the concerned LGU, as provided under RA 9710 and DBM-NEDA-
PCW Joint Circular 2012-01, without prejudice to additional appropriations in future
annual investment plans. Other sources of funds can be charged to the GAD funds of
national government agencies such as the Office of the President, Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW),
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), National Commission on Muslim
Filipinos (NCMF), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Office of the Presidential Adviser on
Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Guidelines.

The DILG shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR)
within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause.

If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause.


All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette
or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.