Senator Pia S. Cayetano formalized her reelection bid on Sunday (October 6, 2024), after a bike ride with around 150 bikers. Also joining the Senator was her youngest son, Lucas.
When asked why she decided to ride her bike, the Senator explained it was symbolic of her “lakas ng atleta at puso ng ina”. Apart from this, Cayetano also shared, “gamit ang karanasan bilang abogada at mambabatas, mabibigyang boses ang iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan.”
Back in 2019, Senator Cayetano, wearing a skort (skirt slash shorts), also biked to file her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Office in Intramuros. She explained that it was a nod to women who play different roles in today’s society and as part of her advocacy for sustainable transportation.
While the Senator currently chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon and Energy Committees, Senator Cayetano remains steadfast in her commitment to protecting and uplifting the welfare and rights of both women and children. She authored landmark legislations such as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, which was pivotal in providing access to contraception, information on family planning, and reproductive healthcare, and the Expanded Maternity Leave Act, which grants all covered females 105 days of paid maternity leave, plus an additional 15 days for solo parents. Her legislative efforts have always been deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a mother and a woman in the workforce.
Throughout her career, Senator Cayetano has also championed legislation recognizing mothers as primary care providers and addressing the often-overlooked issue of unpaid work done by women in the household. She has been instrumental in passing laws such as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act, which supports mothers in balancing their professional and familial responsibilities.
The Senator explained that as a mother, she can better relate to their challenges and their importance to the well-being of their families and the community. She credits this as a motivation and inspiration for her work.
Senator Cayetano has also been at the forefront of initiatives to protect children and ensure their growth and development from an early age. She has pushed for stricter regulations on addictive tobacco and vape products to safeguard young people’s health and also put focus on early childhood education.
Senator Cayetano expounded, “In my two decades as a public servant, I have advocated for different causes including women’s and children’s rights, health, and education. As a mother, a woman, a lawyer, an athlete — my vast experience allowed me to have a wider perspective, and become a voice for different sectors.”
Outside her legislative work, Senator Cayetano continues her advocacy through Pinay In Action (PIA), which she founded even before entering politics. PIA conducts seminars for mothers and healthcare workers, organizes grassroots sports clinics and tournaments, and supports children with special needs.
As she seeks re-election, Senator Cayetano reaffirms her dedication to creating a better future for Filipino families, especially women and children. “Every piece of legislation, every program we implement, is a step towards a more equitable and nurturing society for our women and children,” she concluded.
Senator Cayetano’s track record spans two decades of public service, during which she has been at the forefront of passing landmark laws in healthcare, education, and economic growth. With her re-election bid, she aims to continue pushing for sustainable development, improved healthcare access, quality education, and policies that empower women and protect children.
