‘Congress must respect women in every word spoken,’ Rep. Javi Benitez invokes Helena Benitez’s legacy for Women’s Month

March 04, 2026

Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez honored his great-grand aunt, former Senator Helena Benitez, as he joined the nation in celebrating Women’s Month, citing her lifelong work in advancing women’s rights and dignity in the Philippines and abroad, March 4. In a social media post, Rep. Benitez paid tribute to the late senator and educator, calling her one of the country’s foremost champions of gender equality and describing her life as a model of leadership anchored on service and empowerment. Helena Benitez made history as the first Filipina to chair the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She contributed to drafting the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, a landmark global document on gender equality. She helped build the Philippine Women’s University, which is considered the first university for women in Asia, expanding access to higher education for Filipinas. She also founded the Bayanihan Dance Company, which brought Filipino culture to international audiences, including Broadway. The former Senator later served in the Batasang Pambansa, and as a Philippine representative to the United Nations. For Rep. Javi Benitez, her legacy carries weight beyond family ties. “Her life reminds me that the fight for women’s dignity is not abstract. It lives in our institutions, in our laws, and in how we conduct ourselves in the halls of power,” he said. He added that Congress must be a place where women are respected, not only in legislation, but in every word spoken on the House floor. As Women’s Month activities continue nationwide, Rep. Benitez said he carries both a personal and legislative responsibility to uphold the values his grandaunt stood for. *

You Might Also Like

Rep. Javi Benitez to Host Public Consultation as Sugar Prices Plunge in Negros Occidental

Rep. Javi Benitez Pushes Global-Backed Film Reform as House Panel Advances Landmark Creative Industries Bill

Rep. Javi Benitez Files RESCUE Act to Broaden Economic Crisis Response Beyond Bayanihan Framework