First nominee of the Kababaihan Partylist and Quezon City Councilor Kate Coseteng, advocated for economic empowerment for women, highlighting key legislative proposals and social programs aimed at supporting working mothers, solo parents, victims of domestic abuse, and marginalized communities.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Wednesday, Coseteng emphasized the partylist’s priority to foster financial independence among Filipino women.
"Panahon na para magsagawa ng ekonomiya ang mga kababaihan. Gusto ko pong maging financial independent ang mga babae,” said Coseteng.
In line with this, Coseteng is pushing for the Microfinance Law for Women, a proposed legislation that would provide women access to loans without collateral—addressing one of the biggest barriers to entrepreneurship.
She stated the program would offer loans up to ₱250,000 without collateral, and amounts above that with minimal collateral and low interest rates, regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
“Ayoko ng ayuda lang,” she said. “Ang gusto ko, magkaroon sila ng sariling hanapbuhay. Panahon na para magsagawa ng ekonomiya ang mga kababaihan,” Coseteng added.
The QC councilor affirmed that any political party including their partylist will not intervene as the applications for the program would be handled online, through the Department of Social Welafre and Development (DSWD) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Night care centers for working mothers
With her strong initiative to empower women, especially mothers, Cosetang proposed the Night Care Center, a multi-story facility designed to support women who work night shifts, such as nurses, call center agents, and bartenders.
“Simple lang ang night care center. Ang 2nd floor ilalaan natin sa mga kababaihan na ang trabaho ay pang-gabi,” Coseteng explained, noting that these centers will provide a safe space for children while their mothers work, minimizing the need to leave kids with neighbors or in unstable conditions.
The program is especially targeted at solo parents and women whose spouses are working abroad, aiming to provide peace of mind and support for working mothers.
Her stand on divorce, abortion and teenage pregnancy
On the issue of divorce, Coseteng expressed support but with clear limitations, citing only “domestic violence, drug abuse, abandonment” as grounds for terminating the marriage.
She clarified that irreconcilable differences should be excluded from the law, believing that it undermines the sanctity of marriage.
Coseteng further emphasized that divorce should be an option only when absolutely necessary, such as when a spouse has abandoned the family or chosen to be with someone else.
“Gusto ng mga babae buo ang pamilya. Pero kung hindi na babalik sa atin, ibigay natin ang divorce,” she emphasized.
The councilor stressed that the financial rights of women must be protected in divorce cases, ensuring they receive a share of their spouse’s income for the welfare of their children.
Meanwhile, she called for better reproductive health education starting in high school to prevent early pregnancies.
She also pointed out the lack of government financial support for young mothers and emphasized the need for access to vitamins and healthcare services in health centers.
While generally opposed to abortion, Coseteng supports it in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, or in instances of rape, incest, or underage pregnancies.
“Ikamamatay po iyon ng bata—hindi pa po niya kayang mabuntis,” Coseteng said.
Addressing human trafficking, online exploitation and LGBTQIA+ rights
When it comes to LGBTQIA+ issues, Coseteng made a firm stand against discrimination within the community.
“Pare-pareho lang po tayo tao, huwag naman natin i-discriminate,” Coseteng expressed concerns towards discrimination in LGBTQIA+ community.
“Gagawa po ako ng batas purely anti-discrimination,” she said, advocating respect and equal rights for all genders and sexual orientations.
In addition, Coseteng also raised concerns about prostitution and online human trafficking, citing poverty as a root cause.
“Ano ba ang pinagmulan noon? Kulang po tayo ng pinansyal, kahirapan,” she said.
She called for stronger laws to address exploitation, reinforcing her vision of economic empowerment as a long-term solution.
Although she acknowledged the short-term value of financial aid or ayuda, Coseteng emphasized the need for systemic solutions that give women tools to become self-sufficient and financially independent.
“Ayuda lasts only three days to five days sa taas ng bilihin. Long-term solution ang kailangan,” she explained.
Councilor Kate Coseteng, together with her party, hopes to secure a seat in Congress, with their platforms deeply rooted in women’s welfare, economic inclusion, and legislative action.
