As the May 2025 national elections approach, veteran local legislator Kate Galang-Coseteng is seeking a wider platform to champion women’s rights, economic empowerment, and inclusive legislation as the first nominee of Kababaihan Partylist (#128).
Coseteng, currently serving her final term as Quezon City councilor and a former three-term councilor in Valenzuela City, has authored key legislation over nearly two decades in public service. Her notable achievements include the establishment of the Quezon City University, the city’s first public dialysis center, and the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Ordinance (SP-3299, S-2024).
Now running under the Kababaihan banner, Coseteng says it’s time to address these concerns at a national level.
“I felt like I had already done everything I could as a councilor,” Coseteng said in an interview. “But the issues I care most about—women’s welfare, solo parents, economic empowerment—those are national concerns. They need a national platform.”
Kababaihan Partylist has outlined a comprehensive platform built around support services and policy reform:
- Tahanan ng Kababaihan: A proposed network of Night Care Centers for mothers working the graveyard shift — including nurses, call center agents, and security personnel. These facilities will provide safe spaces for children, as well as legal and psychological support for women escaping abuse.
- Micro-Finance Law for Women: The partylist plans to push for legislation that offers capital assistance ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱500,000 to women entrepreneurs, especially solo parents and those in underserved communities.
- Kanlungan para sa Biktima ng Pang-aabuso: A proposed support hub offering legal aid and trauma recovery services for victims of domestic violence.
Coseteng also voiced strong support for the divorce bill, emphasizing the need for an affordable legal option for women in abusive or irreparable marriages.
“This isn’t about making marriage disposable,” she explained. “Annulment is a privilege for the wealthy. What about the women who can’t afford to leave? They deserve a way out too.”
In line with Kababaihan’s inclusive mission, Coseteng reaffirmed support for LGBTQIA+ rights and legislation aimed at ending online sex trafficking, citing the need for tech companies to be held accountable for content that facilitates exploitation.
“The Philippines ranks high in online sex trafficking,” Coseteng said. “We need to act decisively—tech platforms must be part of the solution.”
Kababaihan’s second nominee, Ria C. Romualdo, is a registered nurse from Camiguin and a long-time advocate for community healthcare. The duo aims to bring a full-spectrum approach to women’s issues—combining grassroots insight with policy expertise.
Despite her well-known last name — she is the daughter-in-law of former Senator Nikki Coseteng — Kate Galang-Coseteng has built her political career on a foundation of legislation and service. A graduate of Cornell University and Siena College, she brings a blend of international perspective and local governance.
As she hits the campaign trail, Coseteng is calling for “more women with political will” in Congress.
“We need leaders who won’t shy away from tough issues — women who will stand firm not just for votes, but for real, lasting change,” she said.
With Election Day fast approaching, Kababaihan Partylist is positioning itself as a strong contender for a seat in Congress, aiming to amplify the voices of Filipino women — and ensure their needs are no longer sidelined.
