The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to proclaim Gabriela Women’s Party as a replacement for the disqualified Duterte Youth Party-list in the 20th Congress.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said Gabriela party-list first nominee Sarah Elago will take the 64th seat in Congress.
Gabriela welcomed Garcia’s announcement, saying the decision “is a testament to the persistent struggle of Filipino women to have their voices heard and their rights championed in the halls of power.”
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima also hailed the Comelec announcement, saying Congress “needs a strong and steady voice that will stand up for the interest of women, and a partner in the fight against irregularities and crooked government policies.”
In a radio interview, Garcia cited the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the disqualification of Duterte Youth due to failure to demonstrate sufficient representation of the youth sector.
The proclamation will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17, with Gabriela’s having garnered the second highest number of votes in the 2022 elections.
“If we are not mistaken, the Comelec will proclaim former congresswoman Elago who is the number one nominee of Gabriela,” Garcia said.
“This announcement comes at an especially crucial point in the fight against corruption when the people need genuine representation in a government dominated by big businesses and political dynasties,” Gabriela said in a statement.
Time and again, it is the poor and marginalized, especially women, who bear the brunt of corruption and misuse of public funds. The people need a fearless voice in Congress who will relentlessly pursue accountability and push for laws that ensure transparency and integrity in government,” it added.
“We sincerely thank all those who trusted us and the tireless struggle of women, LGBTQIA+, youth and various supporters to proclaim the Gabriela Women’s Party as a true, militant and patriotic representative of women in Congress,” Elago said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Gabriela gets House seat lost by Duterte Youth”
