Chavit: They can fire me but I won't resign

Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza said the excuse given by Malacañang that it cannot interfere in Singson’s case is proof that it is condoning the act, which was in clear violation of the Anti-Violence Against Women And Children Act (RA 9262).

Apart from violence against women, the former Ilocos Sur governor is also liable under the newly-passed Magna Carta of Women, which President Arroyo herself signed into law.

Under the law, Maza said the government is mandated to “fulfill these duties through law, policy, regulatory instruments, administrative guidelines and other appropriate measure including temporary special measures.”

“Malacañang is feigning ignorance of the law that any form of violence against women in a sexual relationship is a public crime under RA 9262,” she said.

“It is clear in the Magna Carta of Women Chapter 3 Section 5, that the state as the primary duty-bearer shall protect women against discrimination and from violation of their rights,” Maza said.

“Under a macho society, women are treated as objects and possessions of men, that is why a law such as Anti-VAWC is in place to protect women from violence and abuse that emanates from this view,” she added.

Records from PNP Women’s Desk data showed that domestic violence ranks the highest among all cases of violence against women. In 2007, it showed that a woman is battered every one hour and 50 minutes.

Maza is one of the co-authors of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

She had extended her support to Tiongson and acknowledged her courage in asserting her rights.

Tiongson has asked the Quezon City regional trial court to issue a temporary protection order to prevent Singson from going near her within a distance of one kilometer.

Her petition was reportedly granted. – Paolo Romero, Perseus Echeminada, Delon Porcalla, Helen Flores