Camille Villar: The Filipino women’s voice in the Senate

Senatorial aspirant Camille Villar is committed to be the voice of Filipino women and pursue the enactment of legislation that would promote their protection and empowerment in the Senate.

This, as Villar has filed numerous bills espousing the provision of quality health and social services to Filipinas and measures proposing solutions to the various concerns related to the women sector during her two terms as the representative of the lone district of the city of Las Piñas.

“Women play a vital role in nation-building. I have a high respect for women of all ages, colors and status. I believe that protecting the interests of women, ensuring their welfare, and empowering them is an important service that I could continue to give to all Filipinos when I am elected to the Senate,” Villar said.

Among her proposed bills is House Bill 10697 or the Pregnant Women Welfare Act, which proposes flexible work arrangements or a work-from-home program for pregnant women and postnatal mothers within one year from the date of childbirth.

She also filed HBN 10695 or the Equal Maternity Protection Act, that proposes maternity benefits to women workers in the informal economy, such as a one-time direct maternity cash benefit per delivery to female workers in the informal sector; and coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for female workers who are neither voluntary nor regular members of the Social Security System (SSS).

Villar also filed a measure — HBN 10694 — seeking the distribution of maternity kits to low-income pregnant Filipino women to improve their prenatal care and reduce child mortality in the country.

She also wants to ban any health institution, hospital, or maternity lying-in from refusing to admit or give assistance to expecting mothers who are about to give birth under her proposed HBN 5684.

On the other hand, Villar’s HBN 5243 seeks to grant free medical and hospitalization benefits to indigent Filipino women suffering from diseases, illnesses and injuries as a result of violence inflicted on them.

The lawmaker has also asked the House of Representatives to investigate the rising number of maternal deaths from childbirth and subsequently enact a law that would strengthen and ensure easier access to healthcare services and programs to address maternal problems.

She is also the author of House Resolution 1023 urging the government to intensify its early detection programs and promote easier access to preventive screening against breast cancer.

The measure also proposes the establishment of a special assistance fund dedicated for cancer patients, particularly the indigents and underprivileged Filipinos.

“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the welfare of Filipinas and this is one of my priority programs should I win a seat in the Senate,” said Villar. “I want to be the voice of the Filipino women in the Senate. As a millennial leader, I want to push for innovative solutions to the ongoing problems women face.”