Niere: Women in politics

MORE women are seeing action in the 2016 polls, both in the local and national scenes. This indicates that the country's political landscape has changed tremendously, by putting aside the "politics is for men" notion or the belief that men, in a male chauvinistic society like the Philippines, must reign supreme and be the dominant force in the country's leadership.

The ascension of Cory Aquino to the presidency in 1986 had triggered the entry of more women in government. The post-Edsa revolution era has marked the emergence of women leaders in politics. This political revolution, though some failed to notice the radical changes, was highlighted by the election of another woman president in 2004 – Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The "controversial" victory of Arroyo against four male rivals – Fernando Poe Jr., Raul Roco, Panfilo Lacson and Eddie Villanueva – only confirmed the argument that women are equally footed with men in politics.

Today, women appear to be strong contenders for the country's top positions in next year's polls. Senator Grace Poe is currently topping the presidential surveys while Rep. Leni Robredo is seen as a serious threat to four or five other vice presidential hopefuls.

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In the case of Poe, her camp has been trumpeting her being an adopted daughter of Fernando Poe Jr., the king of Philippine movies, as if it's a feather on her cap. They seldom discuss her stint in the Senate being a neophyte lawmaker, maybe, not because her performance as a senator has been dismal but maybe because they believe that the current voting trend or the primary issue that voters pay attention to in choosing their candidates is character.

Poe is being pictured as a person of good values and integrity – one who is honest and has the heart for the poor. In fact, her handlers have been parroting that her being a "foundling" or an abandoned baby has made her a leader of strength and compassion. For Poe's supporters, experience and performance are only next to character as poll issues. Actually, Poe's electability is not confronted by the question of whether she is honest or not, rather, it is hounded by her citizenship which, until now, is yet to be determined. Is she a naturalized or natural born Filipino? The answer to this question is yet to come. But Poe's citizenship problem extends up to her entire family. Reportedly, the lady senator's husband and children have remained U.S. citizens despite her renunciation of the same. Her presidential bid is in deep trouble because Filipinos would not want a First Family who are Americans.

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While lagging behind in the vice presidential polls, Robredo's proclamation as runningmate of Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas will catapult her into the frontrunner status. A lawyer and congresswoman, she is viewed as a shoo-in for the vice presidency. She has character, too. In her recent visit here, people who met her, both public officials and ordinary citizens, were smitten by her sense of humility and motherly charm. They even described her as an "amiable" lady Vice President. Her simple and unassuming ways fit her to the image that the drumbeaters of Poe want to build for their candidate. Robredo is a latecomer in the vice presidential race but she is definitely no pushover.

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Locally, two women are making headways in the "getting tough" Negros politics. While their male counterparts have maintained dominance in the local government, Representative Mercedes Alvarez (Sixth District) and La Carlota City Mayor Juliet "Yoyet" Ferrer (Fourth District) will run unopposed in the respective congressional districts.

Alvarez, who will seek her last term in the House of Representatives, has formed a formidable political organization in southern Negros which has made her unbeatable in her district. Her being a lawyer was a plus factor in her performance in the House. Who would dare to race against an incumbent lady solon with numerous accomplishments? No one in his right mind will do!

Meanwhile, Yoyet (wife of graduating Rep. Jeffrey) is regarded as political matriarch by most local executives, especially in the Fourth District. Somebody they can rely upon and someone who will run to their rescue when need arises. Notwithstanding her reputation as generous leader, Mayor Yoyet has been lauded for her performance as city executive by several local and international organizations. With the huge following that she and Rep. Jeffrey have built together, running against her is tantamount to political suicide.

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