Press Release
September 8, 2009

Pia recommends 'crash course' for cabinet members
on AVAWC Law and Magna Carta of Women

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today called on Malacañang to give a "crash course" on the law on Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (Republic Act 9262) and the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) for all cabinet members amid the domestic violence controversy involving Deputy National Security Adviser Luis "Chavit" Singson.

"Cabinet members ought to have a crash course on the Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and other pro-women laws," said Cayetano, principal author of RA 9710 and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice.

Cayetano said the crash course will educate Cabinet officials on the laws that protect women and help guide their actions on Singson's case and similar issues in the future.

She was reacting to National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales' apparent ignorance about the nature of the case involving his deputy adviser.

Gonzales was quoted in the news as saying that he found the task of investigating Singson difficult since it was a "private and personal family matter."

"From the words of Secretary Gonzales, it appears that some cabinet officials still do not fully understand that the issue goes beyond being a private matter."

"Domestic violence is never a private act. The law is very clear on that. Violence against women is punishable and it is the obligation of the State to ensure that the laws upholding their rights are being enforced."

She noted that the landmark Magna Carta of Women was signed by President Arroyo only last month. The law laid down the basic rights of women, as well as the State's duty to protect them from various forms of discrimination, abuse and violence.

"Malacañang should be the first to show by example in matters involving the implementation of laws and State policy," she concluded.

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