Ortega backs bill criminalizing violence against women in politics

Support continues to grow for the proposed measure seeking to protect women from violence in politics, as political leaders signified their intent to back the bill.

This came after Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V joined legislators across party lines in endorsing the proposed Prevention of Violence Against Women in Politics Act, a measure declaring that the effort to protect women from discrimination and violence in the political sphere transcends political divisions.

“We are here to support this bill, no color, no faction but true intent to end belittling and insulting women and women in the government,” the Deputy Speaker said.

Ortega stressed that the issue goes beyond women’s concerns or partisan interests.

“When a woman is attacked, threatened, shamed, or driven out of politics because of her gender, it is not just her voice that is silenced—it is our democracy that is weakened,” he said.

“Every Filipino has a stake in making politics safe and inclusive. Ending VAWP opens the door for fresh, independent, non-dynastic leaders, reduces the grip of systemic corruption, and accelerates national progress through the full and fearless participation of women in governance.”

He called on Congress, political parties, digital platforms, civil society organizations, and citizens to unite behind the measure.

“This is not about left or right, administration or opposition. This is about right and wrong. Protecting women in politics protects the future of our country—and that is everyone’s responsibility.”

Ortega also thanked the groups and individuals who helped advance the bill, including Mika Ortega, Maya Tamayo, co-founder and co-executive director of Bayi Inc., LakasBayi Feminist Leadership Network, the Office of Rep. Leila M. de Lima, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy, the Commission on Elections Gender and Development Office, Hiraya, the Human Rights and People Empowerment Center, the Office of Rep. Ann Matibag, Pantay, the Senate Economic Planning Office, and the UP Center for Women and Gender Studies.

He also acknowledged fellow legislators led by Rep. Leila M. de Lima who supported the campaign against Violence Against Women in Politics. These include Reps. Ann Matibag, Arlene “Kaka” J. Bag-ao, Bernadette S. Barbers, Julienne “Jam” L. Baronda, Midy N. Cua, Victoria Co-Pilar, Gerville “Jinky” Luistro, Janice Degamo, Rachel Margueritte B. Del Mar, Cielo Krisel B. Lagman, Janette L. Garin, Dadah Kiram Ismula, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Anna Veloso-Tuazon, Baby Aline Vargas-Alfonso, Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Ysabel Anna Victoria Zamora, JC M. Abalos, Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong, Benjamin C. Agarao Jr., Adrian Michael, Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez, Percival V. Cendaña, Joel R. Chua, Niko Raul S.J. Daza, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Ernesto M. Dionisio Jr., Edgar R. Erice, Jaime R. Fresnedi, Christopher Sheen P. Gonzales, Jefferson F. Khonghun, Jernie Singson, Lordan G. Suan, Alfonzo V. Umali Jr., Terry L. Ridon, Ronald Singson, Alfonso Umali Jr., and Eduardo R. Rama Jr.

The bill seeks to define and criminalize Violence Against Women in Politics and Gender-Based Political Violence as distinct, politically motivated offenses.

It targets a wide range of abuses including physical attacks, sexual harassment, psychological harm, economic sabotage, institutional exclusion, symbolic degradation, and technology-facilitated violence such as gendered disinformation, deepfakes, doxxing, slut-shaming, coordinated online harassment, and brigading used to silence, shame, intimidate, or exclude women from political life.

The measure noted that the persistent threat of such violence continues to deter many capable women from entering politics, particularly those from marginalized sectors including young leaders, indigenous women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.

Under the proposal, acts of Violence Against Women in Politics committed during election periods will be classified as election offenses punishable by one to six years of imprisonment without probation, along with disqualification from holding public office and the loss of voting rights.