Senator Jamby Madrigal scores a victory for women's rights

Senator Jamby Madrigal scored a crucial victory for women's rights with the signing of the Magna Carta of Women.

THE Magna Carta of Women, which prohibits discrimination against women and recognizes, promotes, and protects their rights, was signed into law Friday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The signing of Republic Act (RA) 9710 was held at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall at 10 a.m.
Present during the signing ceremony were Senators Jamby Madrigal, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Juan Miguel Zubiri; congressmen led by Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr.; officials of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) led by chairman Myrna Yao, and representatives of women’s groups and non-government organizations.

According to Yao, the Magna Carta of Women will protect women from all forms of violence, including those committed by the government.

“It also provides for mandatory training on human rights and gender sensitivity by all government personnel involved in the protection and defense of women against gender-based violence,” she added.