POE: WOMEN HAVE UNLIMITED POTENTIAL

Unlimited--this is what Sen. Grace Poe thinks of the potential of women like her not only to pursue careers in the private sector but also to serve in government positions.

Back on the campaign trail in Pangasinan, Poe defended women whose competencies are belittled by the predominantly macho culture in the Philippines, which has gained national attention amid a presidential candidate's uncouth, inappropriate remarks on women.

"Basta ako bilang babae, unlimited ang aming potential. Ang mga babae ay metikuloso. Totoo, mapasensya pero hindi umaatras sa laban. Kaya kahit na ano ang ibigay mo, ngayon na, kung anu-ano--Korte Suprema, babae ang namumuno, pati 'yung Ombudsman babae ang namumuno," Poe said in a media interview in Calasiao, Pangasinan.

"Kung saan may mga gulo, ilagay mo ang babae para maayos at mawala ang gulo," she said.

The senator was asked to comment on Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's response to her question during the Face-Off part of Sunday's PiliPinas Debate. Poe had asked Duterte regarding the role of women in his administration, if he wins, and the mayor answered tourism and finance, "if she's smart."

Poe said it was not fair to limit women's participation in government. She went on to cite key government offices led by women such as the Supreme Court and Office of the Ombudsman.

"Nais nating malaman sa isang potensyal na magiging pangulo paano ang magiging pagtrato sa isang babae. Babalik ba tayo sa makaluma kung saan mawawalan ng boses ang mga kababaihan o iaangat ang estado ng mga babae sa lipunan? 'Yon 'yung gusto kong malaman," Poe explained.

She said anyone who wants to lead the country must know how to treat women with respect.

"Ang mga babae ay dapat merong paggalang at pagkilala sa ating bayan. Ang mga babae ay malaki ang kontribusyon sa ating lipunan," Poe said.

In a Poe presidency, at least one-third of Cabinet-rank positions will be filled with competent and passionate women, the widely accepted benchmark on women's representation in government.

Poe's agenda for Filipino women include providing livelihood opportunities, all-out government support for mothers and their children, and forming a "council of women" that would monitor the progress of government projects.

She said every barangay will be equipped to protect women in their homes, offices and in the community.