Camille Villar pledges to champion women's rights in Senate

Camille Villar has vowed to be the voice of Filipino women in the Senate, pushing for policies that will protect and empower them through comprehensive legislation.
A two-term representative of Las Piñas’ lone district, Villar has authored numerous bills aimed at improving healthcare, social services, and legal protections for women. She is now seeking a Senate seat to further strengthen these advocacies at the national level.
“Women are at the heart of nation-building. I have the utmost respect for Filipinas of all ages and backgrounds. I believe that protecting their rights, ensuring their well-being, and promoting their empowerment is one of the most meaningful contributions I can make as a public servant,” Villar said.
Among the measures she has filed is House Bill No. 10697, or the Pregnant Women Welfare Act, which seeks to institutionalize flexible work arrangements—including work-from-home setups—for pregnant women and postnatal mothers up to one year after childbirth.
She also introduced House Bill No. 10695, or the Equal Maternity Protection Act, which extends maternity benefits to informal sector workers. The bill proposes a one-time direct maternity cash benefit per delivery and PhilHealth coverage for female informal workers who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS).
To address maternal health and child mortality, Villar filed House Bill No. 10694, which mandates the distribution of maternity kits to low-income pregnant women. She also pushed for House Bill No. 5684, which seeks to prohibit hospitals, maternity clinics, and other health facilities from refusing to admit or assist pregnant women in labor.
Recognizing the plight of women who suffer from violence, Villar authored House Bill No. 5243, which grants free medical and hospitalization benefits to indigent victims of abuse. She also called for a congressional investigation into the rising number of maternal deaths, advocating for strengthened healthcare access and policies to address the issue.
Her commitment to women’s health extends to cancer awareness and treatment. Through House Resolution No. 1023, Villar urged the government to expand early detection programs and improve access to preventive breast cancer screenings. The resolution also proposes the creation of a special assistance fund dedicated to cancer patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
“The government has a duty to safeguard the well-being of every Filipina. This will be one of my top priorities in the Senate if I am given the chance to serve,” Villar said.
As a millennial leader, she expressed her desire to introduce forward-thinking policies that address long-standing challenges faced by women.
“I want to be the voice of Filipino women in the Senate. As a millennial leader, I am committed to advocating for modern, innovative solutions to the persistent issues affecting women today,” she added.