Trillanes vows to advance more pro-women policies

Reelectionist Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV said there is a need to strengthen the role of women in the society as he vowed to introduce more policies that will further protect and advance their rights.

Trillanes has put forward a slew of pro-women measures in the Senate, but said there is still much more to be done to institutionalize policies that will care for women and promote their rights.

"Women are an integral part of this country, thus, as a policymaker, it is my duty to advance policies toward women's empowerment in order to protect the rights and improve each Filipino woman's life," said Trillanes, who is running under Team PNoy.

Trillanes is the principal author of Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in the Senate. This law seeks to address the loopholes in RA 9208 and the human trafficking in the country particularly in disaster areas where women and children are easy preys of unscrupulous groups.

Trillanes is also among the authors of the National Health Insurance Act, which is now enrolled for signature by President Aquino. This bill provides comprehensive health care services that will prioritize those in most need and provide free services to indigents.

Other pro-women bills which Trillanes has filed are:

• Senate Bill No. 322 (Increasing Maternity Leave Benefits) - increases the maternity leave of working women to 120 days from 60 days to allow mothers to breastfeed their kids for at least four months.

• Senate Bill No. 230 (Mother-Child Facility Act) - seeks to institutionalize the pulling up of drop-in centers for non-school age children within the vicinity of every private company which employs at least 100 women workers, whether taking managerial, supervisory or rank and file post.

• Senate Bill No. 410 (National Cervical Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Fund) - seeks to create a breast and cervical cancer diagnostic and treatment fund which shall provide financial assistance for the medical care of indigent patients.

• Senate Bill No. 222 (Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act) - a public education and awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance of gynecologic cancer and its public health implications such as risk factors, symptoms, need for early detection and methods of treatment associated with gynecologic cancer.

• Senate Bill 189 (Breast and Cervical Cancer Protection Act) - inclusion of periodic diagnostic services for breast cancer and cervical cancer in the benefit package under the PhilHealth.