MANILA, Philippines – Nakatakdang maging 28-strong ang House minority bloc sa nalalapit na pagpasok ni Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago na manunumpa sa harap ng bagong halal na Speaker Francisco “Bojie” Dy III sa Lunes, Setyembre 22.
“I was told I will take oath on Monday during the open session, for the ceremonial affirmation of our entry into our duties as a member of the House of Representatives. We, in the Gabriela Women’s Party, also hope to join the [House] Minority as we maintain our independence and faithfulness in advising the agenda of women, LGBTQIA+, and children in and out of Congress,” saad ni Elago sa kanyang unang press conference sa Batasan matapos ang proklamasyon.
“Kaya asahan ninyo po na may dagdag na hindi lang magbabantay, pero lalaban talaga na para sa agenda ng mga maralitang kababaihan,” dagdag niya.
Nauna nang iprinoklama ng Commission on Elections ang Gabriela bilang nanalo sa ika-64 na upuan sa kongreso noong 2025 May elections.
Habang tinanghal na panalo ang Gabriela, sinabi ni Elago na hindi magiging madali ang laban sa gitna ng pagbabago ng party-list system sa paglipas ng mga taon.
“It is hard to win an election in a party-list system packed with political dynasties, big-time contractors and red-tagging, on top of smear campaigns. Our leaders are being surveilled, faced trumped up charges. But these won’t deter us. Nandito pa rin kami lumalaban at handang magpanalo ng agenda ng mga kababaihan at labanan ang korapsyon,” ani Elago, na dati’y Kabataan party-list Rep. noong 2016-2022. RNT/MND
