Senator Grace Poe has raised concern that the COVID-19 pandemic would worsen gender-based violence.
Speaking before the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence at the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II and at the 18th Day Campaign Against Gender-based Violence sponsored by the Embassy of Austria recently, Poe said another "pandemic" could result from the persisting restrictions that force women to stay at home.
"The world is battling the COVID-19 virus, which has become one of the deadliest health pandemics. But there is another global pandemic, which also demands our immediate and full attention. Gender-based violence is a worldwide phenomenon that is estimated to affect one in three women in their lifetime," she said.
"One of the gravest violations of human rights is violence against women and girls. It has a negative and long-term impact on the wellbeing of survivors, as well as their family and the larger community."
"Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought out either the best or worst among us," she added.
Poe cited the UP Population Institute study which projected a 20-percent increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
She also recalled the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey which bared that one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence by their husband or partner.
Violence against women could also happen outside the homes and can be perpetuated by "state actors", Poe said.
"Government regulation that borders on intimidation, and pronouncements which harass women journalists, is a form of violence."
"Such form of violence is also a means of suppressing the truth. When dissent is silenced and the right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press is curtailed, the right of the people to information is undermined," she stressed.
"Democracy works when we have an informed citizenry who can participate meaningfully in decision-making. We must work together towards establishing a culture of equality and respect for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, faith and race," she appealed.