Former Gabriela Partylist Representative and activist Liza Maza has pledged to push for legislative measures that will protect the rights of women and Filipino migrant workers if she secures a seat in the Senate.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Tuesday, Maza reiterated the need for stronger protection for Filipinos, especially those working as domestic helpers in various countries.
"Kailangan po talaga ng mas mahigpit na proteksyon sa ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga nagtatrabaho na DH (domestic helper)," said Maza.
She further emphasized the need for a mechanism that would allow for regular and periodic checks on Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs).
Maza mentioned that one of her priorities, if elected, would be to initiate an investigation into the services provided by all relevant agencies concerning the welfare of Filipinos working abroad.
She proposed that agencies such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) be summoned to examine whether their services are suitable, sufficient, and efficiently reaching Filipinos overseas.
Moreover, she backed the recommendation to discontinue the deployment of domestic helpers to countries where women's rights are not respected.
"Importante rin na ang ating gobyerno ay magkaroon ng mga bilateral talks para sa proteksyon ng ating mga kababayan," Maza explained.
"Pero at the end of the day sabi nga ng ating mga kababayan na lumalabas ng bansa, ang kailangan talaga nila ay trabaho sa Pilipinas hindi sa labas," she added.
She then called for efforts to strengthen the economy, creating sustainable jobs with sufficient pay in the Philippines so that Filipinos would no longer be forced to work abroad.
Case of Mary Jane Veloso
The former lawmaker revealed that she is among those calling for absolute clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, who was previously in death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
"Kung tututusin halos 15 years na siyang nakakulong at siya ay biktima, hindi po siya dito kriminal," Maza explained.
Citing humanitarian reasons, she reiterated that the Filipino OFW should be freed, as there is no longer any justification for her continued imprisonment.
Combating the escalating prices of essential goods
Maza pointed out that the imposition of taxes on products like oil, which are burdened with both Value-Added Tax and Excise Tax, leads to higher prices for consumers.
"Kapag natanggal po ito, bababa ang presyo ng gasolina at syempre mayroong epekto ito sa presyo ng mga bilihin," said Maza.
On the matter of rising rice prices, she recommended reducing costs by providing subsidies to farmers, putting an end to cartels, and stopping the importation of rice.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need to implement genuine land reform to help lower the price of rice.
Addressing the increase in tuition fees in schools
"Ang panukala kasama sa plataporma ng makabayan ang libreng edukasyon. Sa palagay namin maari at pwedeng mangyari kung naitataas natin ang produksyon ng ekonomiya," said Maza.
She described it as a domino effect, stating that boosting agricultural income and pushing for national industrialization would provide the necessary funds to subsidize education for the underprivileged, potentially making education free.
Additionally, she reiterated that the government does have the funds, but the issue lies in alleged corruption, with the money being misappropriated and allocated to the wrong purposes.
Maza also believes that education should be free, not just for the academically gifted, but for all Filipinos.
"Dapat tigilan ang privatization sa ating eskwelahan at mas marami pa ang public schools na kung saan libre ang edukasyon sa mga mahihirap," she added.
Meanwhile, she expressed her intention to advocate for the abolition of the K-12 system, pointing out that it is a frequent concern among mothers. She argued that it is ineffective and only adds to their burdens.
Expressed support to the passage of divorce
"Palagay ko ay kailangan talaga na magkaroon ng opsyon ang ating mga kababayan na gusto nang lumabas sa isang kasal na punong puno ng karahasan, isang kasal na hindi na pwede talagang magsama ‘yung mag partner na nandiyan," Maza explained.
She recalled being one of the pioneers in filing the original version of the divorce bill when she served as a congresswoman.
Maza noted that the current laws in the country are not suitable for situations where there is a genuine need to "dissolve" a marriage.
However, she clarified that their proposal, referred to as "divorce Pinoy style," is not about allowing people to divorce on a whim, but rather addressing serious cases where it is necessary.
On the matters of red-tagging
The senatorial candidate remarked that red-tagging has lost its significance, as when issues such as salaries, prices of goods, and education are raised, people readily agree, saying, "That's right," and no longer pay attention to red-tagging.
Stance on political dynasties
Maza stated that political dynasties should be banned, expressing her desire to put an end to them, as she believes they are a scourge to the country’s politics and undermine the representation of the people.
"Mas lalo nitong pinapatay ang tyansa na makapasok ang iba naman sa public office," she added.
"Bakit ikaw?"
Maza noted that her previous work in legislation and her dedication to serving her fellow Filipinos are important reasons for voters to trust and vote for her as a candidate for this year's election.
"Handa akong yanigin ang Senado dahil ito ay kuta ng mga traditional na politiko atsaka ng political dynasty," Maza stated firmly.
"Ako ay may track record sa paggawa ng batas at pagsisilbi sa ating mga kababayan," she added.
Ultimately, she highlighted the importance of giving the public, particularly the underprivileged, a genuine voice in the Senate.
Maza served as the Bayan Muna Representative from 2001 to 2004 and later became the Gabriela Partylist Representative from 2004 to 2010.
