Photo credit: Gabriela Women's Party

The Gabriela Women’s Party is officially returning to the 20th Congress, ready to make a stand. Their proclamation comes after the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) increased the number of party-list seats, a move that Gabriela says will amplify the voice of women and other marginalized sectors.

Representative Sarah Elago of the Gabriela Women’s Party highlighted what this victory means. "This triumph is a result of the relentless push by women for a militant and patriotic voice in Congress," she said.

Elago also issued a strong warning to corrupt officials and abusers, promising they will be held accountable. The party plans to demand public services that have long been denied and hold contractors and their political backers responsible for projects that have damaged the environment, leading to increased flooding.

The party is committed to its Women's Agenda, which focuses on critical economic and social reforms. This includes lowering the prices of goods and increasing wages for workers. The party-list also plans to push for several key legislative measures, including the Divorce Bill, the SOGIE Equality Bill, an Expanded VAWC (Violence Against Women and their Children) Bill, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, the Presyo Ibaba Bill (Lower Prices Bill), the Wage Increase Bill, the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB), amendments to the Anti-Rape Law, repealing the Rice Liberalization Law, reforming PhilHealth to remove mandatory contributions for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and penalties for missed payments, and the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.

Elago emphasized that this is just the beginning. "The fight of women doesn't end here," she said. "For us to succeed, we need the people to act. We will be with the people on the streets of protest against corruption."

The party plans to join a protest on September 21, where they will rally at Luneta to hold President Marcos Jr. and other corrupt officials accountable.