Women Leaders Make Strides in #Halalan2025
More women leaders were elected across the country, suggesting a shift in balance, growing openness to more diverse forms of governance.
#Halalan2025 marked a powerful turning point in the country’s political scene. Women leaders won major races across the nation, breaking barriers and bringing fresh energy to government. In the CALABARZON region—covering Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon—women now lead four out of five provinces. Only Cavite remains under male leadership.
This movement wasn’t limited to Luzon. In Cebu, Pam Baricuatro defeated a longtime incumbent to become governor. In Iloilo City, Raisa Treñas made history as the city’s first female mayor. And in Naga City, former Vice President Leni Robredo returned to public service with a landslide win, becoming the city’s first woman mayor. Her campaign focused on clean governance, fairness, and continuing the legacy of her late husband, Jesse Robredo, a beloved former mayor.
In Quezon City, Joy Belmonte secured her third and final term with more than one million votes. Her message of honest, efficient service clearly resonated with voters.
On the national level, three women claimed seats in the Senate: Pia Cayetano received 14,573,430 votes, Camille Villar earned 13,651,274, and Imee Marcos followed with 13,339,227. Their victories reflect growing public confidence in women’s ability to lead at the highest levels.
The Philippines granted women the right to vote in 1937—one of the first Asian nations to do so. Yet in recent years, women held fewer than 25% of elected positions. That’s changing, and here’s why:
Voter Fatigue with Traditional Leaders: Many Filipinos feel frustrated by the usual names and faces in politics, especially those tied to dynasties.
Stronger Community Roots: Women candidates often build deep ties through local organizing, online platforms, and active engagement.
Inspiring Role Models: Leaders like Leni Robredo and Grace Poe have shown that strong, value-based leadership matters and works.
What This Could Mean for Women—and for the Country
With more women in power, laws that focus on gender equality, family welfare, and protection from abuse could finally gain more support. Veteran lawmakers like Pia Cayetano have already championed reproductive health, education, and women’s rights. Now, with a stronger female presence, these issues may move forward faster.
This shift also means big changes for cities and provinces that have always had male leaders. Women in charge might introduce new ideas—more support for mothers, better schools, improved healthcare, and leadership that listens more to communities. People who’ve never had a woman leader may soon experience a more inclusive way of governing.
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This wave of change is more than symbolic. It shows that voters want something different—leaders who care, understand, and act. The success of these women proves that politics doesn’t have to follow old rules. It can be smarter, fairer, and more connected to real people.
#Halalan2025 is not just about who won. It’s about what the country is becoming: a place where leadership looks more like its people—strong, diverse, and ready for change.
