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[ VOL. IV, October 27, 1934 ]
JOURNAL NO. 75
Se abre la sesion a las 10:35 a.m. ocupando el estrado el Presidente, Hon. Claro M. Recto.
EL PRESIDENTE: Se declara abierta la sesion.
DISPENSACION DE LA LECTURA DE LA LISTA DE DELEGADOS Y DEL ACTA
SR. GRAFILO: Señor Presidente.
EL PRESIDENTE: Señor Delegado.
SR. GRAFILO: Pido que se dispense la lectura de la lista de Delegados y del Acta, y que esta se de por aprobada.
EL PRESIDENTE: ¿Hay alguna objecion a la mocion? (Silencio.) La Mesa no oye ninguna. Queda aprobada.
CONSIDERACION DEL PROYECTO DE RESOLUCION,
CONCEDIENDO EL SUFRAGIO A LOS VARONES
SOLAMENTE.
(Continuacion)
EL PRESIDENTE: Esta en orden la continuacion de la discusion del Proyecto de Resolucion concediendo el sufragio a los varones solamente.
MR. ABELLA. Mr. President, before presenting the first speaker this morning, I would like to present the constitutional precept sponsored by the Chairman of the Committee on Suffrage, Delegate Jose Altavas from Capiz. It must be remembered by this Assembly that the Delegate from Capiz spoke against woman suffrage and further said that he had changed his mind a long time ago. So I would like the Secretary to read the precept for the information of the Assembly.
EL PRESIDENTE: La insercion que se pide es contraria a los procedimientos parlamentarios, y, por tanto, no puede la Mesa ordenar dicha insercion. Eso se puede hacer, haciendolo parte del discurso que se pronuncie.
MR. ABELLA. The orator this morning is the Delegate from La Union, Mr. Osias.
EL PRESIDENTE: Tiene la palabra el Delegado por La Union.
DISCURSO DEL SR. OSIAS A FAVOR DEL SUFFRAGIO FEMENINO
MR. OSIAS. Mr. president, I rise in opposition to the resolution presented. About the only thing commendatory about this resolution is that it is clear and free from ambiguity. It reads: "RESOLVED THAT THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION BE GRANTED TO MALE CITIZENS ONLY." In the present form, Mr. President, this resolution is inexcusably iniquitous and superlatively selfish. I am glad, however, that it recognizes that suffrage is a right because it speaks of the right of suffrage. If it is a right to vote, then to withhold it is a wrong. I said, Mr. President, that it is iniquitous because it withholds not only a right but what has become an acquired right granted to a considerable proportion of the Philippine population. To withdraw a right which, by law, has been granted is iniquitous, inequity itself. Note as it is worded, that the right of suffrage shall be granted to male citizens only, is superlative selfishness. I have seen no resolution presented in any deliberative body equalling this. It is well that some of us, Mr. President, should rise and speak for that inarticulate group of our population constituting practically fifty per cent who, if this resolution is approved, will be forever relegated to oblivion insofar as partisanship in concerned. There can be no political affairs is debate with respect to the right to vote not only as a right but as a privilege. It is furthermore a political responsibility which entails a weighty civic duty. For us to deny to what we at times gallantly refer to as the better half, this elemental right to vote and be voted, without even experimenting or giving a fair trial to the law granting women this right, which has been dreamed of for years and years by the women of the Philippines, is, again I say, inexcusably iniquitous and superlatively selfish. No self-respecting man ought to lend himself to a scheming proposition like this.
SR. KAPUNAN. Señor Presidente, pido que se descarte lo que acaba de decir el orador.
MR. OSIAS. This refers to no man; it is an impersonal statement; it refers to no Delegate. I am speaking of impersonal matters, Mr. President. The rules permit that.
It is time that we called a spade a spade and characterized the step that we are about to take, the only proper way that it should be characterized. Many who are opposed to the granting of suffrage to our women admit their capacity. They cannot deny that they have demonstrated their ability in various lines of human activity. All will, I think, unanimously pay tribute to women, and I am engaging in no panegyric when I refer to their heroism, their ability, their patriotism which at least equal those possessed by men.
(El Presidente cede el estrado al Delegado Sr. Kapunan.)
It has been stated here that it is unnecessary to grant women the right of suffrage because they are already excercising their influence in that direction. My answer is that what they are doing indirectly we ought to be willing to allow them to perform directly. It has been alleged that to permit women to vote and be voted would be the ruin of our homes. For those men who think thusly, I have nothing but respect. I would remind them. however, that they seem to show little faith in the stability of our homes if they entertain the fear that the mere grant of this right of suffrage would mean the ruination of Filipino homes. What if there should be a duplication of the vote of the husband when the wife votes? I say, what if there should be a duplication of the vow of the wife compared with the vote of the husband? Why not present the reverse of the picture? How about the husbands that merely reflect the views of the women now? There are two sides, and if they should differ, what of it? There is a difference in religion now which is more vital to the homes than a mere difference of political faith.
Mr. President, when this country and this Government embarked upon the policy of extending education not only to boys but to girls, the people here must have known that education of that nature necessarily had to result in women claiming greater participation in public affairs. To deny them the right of suffrage, to curtail their legitimate duty to render service to the country in the way that they covet, is to show lack of faith in the education of the women of the Philippines. Mr. President, if we recognize the peculiar genius of the Filipino women for household management, may I say that municipal government is nothing more than housekeeping on a large scale? To manage a municipality is nothing more than to manage a home, perhaps extended in its scope, and may I say to my fellow Delegates from the so-called Christian provinces, that we should take a lesson from the experience of our brethren in the South, wrongly referred to as Moroland, because with or without laws, they already have women who are Presidents in fact? We, who at times tend to look upon our brethren in the so-called special provinces as inferior in political experience, may well learn from the example that they have set. What is being done now, therefore, without sanction of law ought to be done with sanction of law, not only in Cotabato, not only in the South, but all over the Philippine Islands. In the resolution you seek to deny women the right of suffrage, and yet you trust a woman, your wife, in the selection of your food, in the training of your children, in the safekeeping of your family bank. It has been shown to be the experience, at least by common consent, because it is sanctioned by our own practice, that we recognize the superiority of the Filipino wife in the management of our household finances. Who knows but the entrance of Filipino women in politics may curtail this Saturnalia of extravagance that has entered the Government of the Philippine Islands?
Mr. President, I am against the resolution because it is against every tenet, every element, of modern democracy. We talk of democracy being a government of the people and yet deny fifty per cent of that self same people the right to vote. Why, we might just as well re-define democracy if we do this and say democracy is a government of less than half of the people for all the people. That would have to be our definition. Then it would be a funny definition at that, and yet would be truer to facts. There is an opposition that has cropped up against granting women the right of suffrage because of the supposed additional expense, and yet those same opponents of woman suffrage who talk in that manner have proposed the holding of a plebiscite which is also expensive. I do not see the logic of one who alleges that the right of suffrage should not be granted women because of additional expenses and at the same time proposes the holding of a plebiscite before granting the suffrage to women. Mr. President, when America granted the right of suffrage to men in the Philippine Islands, we were not required to have a plebiscite; we were granted it outright because it was right that it should be done. The requirement that we go into a plebiscite before we grant women the right of suffrage shows that the male citizens of this country lack control of our governmental affairs, and are not even just, fair, and generous to the flesh of their own flesh, to the blood of their own blood, as the Americans were when they granted the right of suffrage to men in the Philippine Islands. I cannot place myself in that position, and hence I am speaking against the resolution.
Opponents of woman suffrage depict of gloomy fate; they paint a dark picture as to the possible outcome of this grant of the right of suffrage. I do not despair, and the women of the Philippines ought not to despair either,because all social reforms have always ben accomplished to the accompaniment of the tune of the prophets of failure. Dire consequences were prophesied when higher education was granted to women of the Philippines. That has been true throughout the history of education, and yet we all know now that it was a proper thing to do and that it was to the advantage not only of every nation but of humanity at large that the women should be given equal opportunities in matters of education. Following the same line of reasoning, we ought to give them the opportunity to exercise suffrage. I cannot subcribe. Mr. President, to the philosophy of fear. to the philosophy of defratism, which is animating the opponents of woman suffrage who are making all sorts of dire prophesies with respect to the outcome of the grant of the right of suffrage. Instead of approving the resolution and incorporating in our Constitution a provision denying women the right of suffrage, worse than withholding a right that has already been granted by law, some such provision as this should be incorporated: “All persons who are not citizens or subjects of a foreign power, 18 years of age or over, except the insane and feeble-minded and those convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of an infamous offense, who have been residents of the Philippine Islands for one year..."
There are three features of that proposed constitutional provision that need elucidation. Clearly, the provision seeks to grant the right of suffrage to both men and women. It grants that right to those who have attained the age of eighteen years or over. It seeks, furthermore, to emphasize the educational qualifications, which is as it should be. Why, it is a sorry sight, just a painful sight, to allow men illiterates corrupt at times, to be kept in the quarters of candidates, then taken to the polls to see somebody else do the voting for them because they do not know how to read and write. And yet, because of my respect for age, I will not deny even the illiterate voters the right to vote, once they have qualified to vote, because it is wrong, iniquitous, to withhold or deny what is already conferred them by law.
Just a word, Mr. President, with regard to age. I see no reason why we should follow the age limit prescribed by countries in the temperate climates. It is known that tropical peoples mature earlier, die earlier and, therefore, I am for granting the right of suffrage to men and women with educational qualification eighteen years or over. I wish to announce my intention to propose that as an amendment at the proper time, when we shall consider the draft of the Constitution.
Let us be fair to the women by giving them the right to vote. There are people who criticize women when they come to this hall in great numbers. They say such women are compaigning. When women are not numerous, they are also criticized. It is not just, not courteous, to criticize them that way. Where is our bounteous spirit of gallantly and courtesy and respect to the women before whom, when we need them, we appear on bended knees? A supposed attack has been made on the capabilities of our women through some publication by a certain leader or two, doubting the advisability of granting women the right to vote. Mr. President, one sparrow does not make a summer. Besides, all of us are practical politicians; we know that there are things said in the heat of a political fight that are subject to revision in our calmer moments. And so we ought to think that anything said or published in the heat of the moment can be taken with a grain of salt.
I am reliably informed that the person quoted here as having doubted the wisdom of granting the right of suffrage to women, because of certain supposed irregularities committed in a club's election, is still in favor of woman suffrage. Today, even granting that what that person said is true, this does not prove that women are not capable of exercising the right of suffrage. It rather proves that they are ready because they even can go through the process that we ourselves have set as an example for them to follow.
Mr. President, I need not relate here the achievements of women in countries where the right of suffrage has been granted them. Literature on the subject is extensive; anyone of sufficient industry may consult it and there find that women have been instrumental in ameliorating the conditions of laboring classes, improving conditions in the factories where women and children work, providing playgrounds for growing citizens, and in other ways fostering cultural, social and spiritual movements that are essential to the development of a sound body politic. I doubt not that what has been achieved in other countries through the grant of the right of suffrage to women may likewise be enjoyed by this country of ours if we but forget our selfishness, if we but be fair to the women and let them exercise that right which by law is now theirs. We have various precedents to follow if we should consider granting the right of suffrage, without distinction of sex. We have Mexico, which, by Article 34 of her Constitution, grants the right of suffrage to women and men alike; Germany, Article 17 of its Constitution; Czechoslovakia, Article 9; Poland, Article 12; Ireland, Article 14; Spain, Article 36; and the United States, 19th Amendment. I am not going to repeat the history of the achievement and the service of women in other lands. That has been done by the previous speakers in support of the right of suffrage for women.
Before closing, Mr. President, may I avail myself of this occasion to say that I am indebted to women of the United States? As Resident Commissioner in the United States, laboring as best as I could, with the light that God gave me, I naturally sought their cooperation and enlisted the support of as many elements and organizations and individuals as possible in the United States in our gigantic fight for national emancipation. While the independence bill was pending in the Congress of the United States, there were women organizations interested in including as a provision of the independence law one which would confer the right of suffrage to the women of the Philippines. Mrs. Osias and I contacted those organizations and the leaders, and we begged them to desist from their intention for two reasons. First, I feared, and my colleagues likewise entertained the same view, that the introduction of another controversial point in the Independence Law might give rise to further dilatory tactics in the Congress of the United States and delay, if not frustrate, the passage of the Independence Act. Second, we believed that a social reform of such far-reaching significance had better come from the people themselves and that it was certainly much better for us to effect our own social reforms than have them forced upon us. Partly because of this, Mr. President, in addition to the fact, of course, that I am convinced of the proper step to take, I am standing today, speaking in favor of granting the right of suffrage not only to male citizens but to female citizens as well, 18 years of age or over. But the question of age can be discussed at some other time.
Mr. President, in closing, may I say that I favor women's participation in politics, because I entertain the hope that their entry will give weightier influence upon our body politic and induce the men in high places to give more thought to remedying the squalor that is now the lot of the poor and the lowly, instead of merely being dazzled by the splendor of the rich and the mighty?
Mr. President, I have a word of counsel to the women of the Philippines. I say that they should continue to adopt the peaceful, tactful, and dignified procedure that they have so far followed. We do not need to ape the tactics being employed in other countries. And may I say to them too that they should not cringe before this Convention or the Legislature? Their cause is just. They must win. They are entitled to win. I believe they will win. A great cause can never die. I am a believer in the dynamism of great ideas; and while we may delay for a time the fruition of those ideas and principles, we can never frustrate or entirely kill them. They will come at their appointed time.
And now to come back to the men who have before them this selfish proposition of granting the right of suffrage to male citizens only. My brethren, the women have fought long and patiently; they have faith in us; it is about time that we reciprocated and showed them our appreciation of their part in carrying the burden of this life, not by lip service or angled promises, but by actual deeds. Let us vote down the selfish proposition. Let us enthrone women. Give them the right that is their due, entitling them to suffrage and, more than that, to
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, the speaker has five minutes more to answer interpellations.
MR. INTING: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
Mr. OSIAS: Willingly.
MR. INTING: Do I understand from the Gentleman from La Union that he is opposed to the proposed plebiscite on woman suffrage?
MR. OSIAS: I said that I would prefer to have no plebiscite. If we are generous, let us give our women the right of suffrage.
MR. INTING: Is the Gentleman from La Union aware of the fact that one of the greatest arguments against the granting of suffrage to Filipino women is that a very insignificant portion of the Filipino women is demanding that right?
MR. OSIAS: I am opposed to plebiscite on this question of suffrage; I am only consistent with my stand in the United States. We are asked to have plebiscite on the independence question, because it is alleged that there are only a few Filipinos who really want independence. But, mere number proves nothing. Quality is what we want. (Applause.)
MR. INTING: But it is not true that if we give the right to vote to those who do not demand it, it will not be a right but rather an imposition or an obligation imposed upon them?
MR. OSIAS: It will not be an imposition, Sir, because the exercise will be voluntary. The exercise of that right will be voluntary, unless, of course, we adopt a provision for compulsory voting.
MR. INTING: Precisely that is the point I would like to raise.
MR. OSIAS: May I ask the Gentleman a question? Is the Gentleman in favor of woman suffrage?
MR. INTING: I am against it.
MR. OSIAS: Then we agree to disagree.
MR. GRAFILO: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: With pleasure.
MR. INTING: Is the Gentleman from La Union aware of the fact that in all democratic countries laws are made but that, afterwards, some of them are repealed or amended or substituted?
MR. OSIAS: Yes, certainly.
MR. GRAFILO: Is it not true that when a certain piece of legislation is passed, the passage of the law carries with it a certain right to those affected?
MR. OSIAS: I am listening.
MR. GRAFILO: And once that law is repealed or amended or substituted, the right is taken away, yet the countries in which this is done are still democratic?
MR. OSIAS: I hope the Gentleman is satisfied. I am not.
MR. GRAFILO: So then, even if we frustrate the grant of women suffrage, it may not be undemocratic; it may not be wrong when that right, which has not yet been exercised, is denied.
MR. OSIAS: Mr. President, in the northern part of the country whence I hail, we have there a belief that when you offer a gift and take it back, you will suffer scurvy. I do not want the legislators who granted woman suffrage to withdraw it, because I want them to be free from the ailment that may ensue should that belief be true, but I am not trying to be facetious. I think it is better that before a right is withdrawn, it ought to be given a chance to work. And, furthermore, I hope the Gentleman was one of those members of the Convention who resented an apparent outside interference on the part of another Body in matters concerning the Constitutional Convention. Following that same logic, I think we ought not to go over the head of the Legislature by withdrawing a right which it granted.
MR. GRAFILO: Another question. The right of suffrage, being in some instances construed as a burden, will it not be proper if, before that gift is given, we first consult in a plebiscite the recipient of that burden?
MR. OSIAS: Well, let us give the women both the bitter and the sweet.
MR. GFAFILO: Just for the last question. Can the Gentleman from La Union inform us what percentage of the inhabitants of the United States are exercising the right of suffrage.
MR. OSIAS: I am afraid to quote from memory.
MR. GRAFILO: But more or less.
MR. OSIAS: I do not want to guess.
MR. GRAFILO: Suppose we want to grant our women the right of suffrage, can the Gentleman from La Union more or less make an estimate of what portion of the female inhabitants will be affected?
MR. OSIAS: I could not estimate. May I ask, in return, how many electors actually voted in the Philippines at the election of the delegates?
MR. GRAFILO: By guess, they did not constitute fifteen per cent of our inhabitants. So doubling the percentage, should we grant women the right to vote, it may be between twenty-five and thirty.
MR. OSIAS: It would still be low. If it is very low, now, give the women the right of suffrage.
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, the time of the Gentleman has expired.
MR. VINZONS: I move that he be given five minutes more to answer questions.
THE PRESIDENT: Is there any objection? (After a pause.) The Chair hears none. The Gentleman can continue.
MR. GRAGEDA: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: With pleasure.
MR. GRAGEDA: The distinguished Gentleman from La Union.
MR. OSIAS: Omit "distinguished."
MR. GRAGEDA: It's all right. The Gentleman has stated that if we do not grant suffrage to women we had better define democracy as a government of one-half of the people, by the people and for the people.
MR. OSIAS: I say it would be nearer the facts.
MR. GRAGEDA: But is it not a fact that when Lincoln said that phrase "of the people, by the people and for the people," there was then no woman suffrage in the United States, to show that it was not necessary?
MR. OSIAS: Yes, but far-seeing man that he was, he knew that it was coming.
MR. GRAGEDA: Anyway, he did not provide for the definition.
MR. OSIAS: He was looking forward to the ideal condition.
MR. ESCAREAL: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: Willingly.
MR. ESCAREAL: The Gentleman referred to a debt of honor which he contracted while Resident Commissioner in the United States.
MR. OSIAS: ...which I morally contracted.
MR. ESCAREAL: Did the Gentleman compromise himself—at least the women of the Philippines, or the Constitutional Convention ...
MR. OSIAS: I compromised nobody.
MR. ESCAREAL: ...to give women the right to vote, during the campaign for independence?
MR. OSIAS: I promised nobody. In fact, I asked them to get behind the independence movement.
MR. ESCAREAL: And the point of view of the Gentleman is that...
MR. OSIAS: That woman suffrage should come by grant and decision of the Filipino people themselves, instead of the people of the United States.
MR. ESCAREAL: I have not finished my question yet. The point of view of the Gentleman is that he, having promised women of the United States that our women would be given the right to vote—at least that you would help in obtaining for them the right to vote...
MR. OSIAS: All I promised is that I would, upon my return to my country, work for the grant of the right of suffrage to women, and I am doing that now.
MR. ESCAREAL: And would he not ask us to follow?
MR. OSIAS: I have not promised anybody.
MR. ESCAREAL: But the Gentleman is trying to convince us to follow his steps.
MR. OSIAS: Just as the Gentleman is trying to convince me to follow his way.
MR. ESCAREAL: I am asking you information.
MR. OSIAS: If the Gentleman did me the honor of being converted, I would thank him the rest of my life.
MR. ESCAREAL: Just for the information of the rest of this Body, myself included, because the Gentleman said that what one says in the heat of a campaign may be subject to revision in his calmer moments. Did the Gentleman say something in the heat of that gigantic campaign for independence in the United States, something which may be subject to revision in the calmer moments of this deliberative assembly?
MR. OSIAS: The Gentleman has heard what I said in the heat of the moment, in the aftermath of that campaign, and in the serenity of this Body.
MR. ESCAREAL: Just one more question. The Gentleman mentioned that he hoped the entrance of women in public affairs through the right of suffrage would ameliorate or wipe out that Saturnalia of extravagance in our Government. I do not know if I understood the Gentleman right, if he hoped that there would be economy in managing the Government, that there would be no more extravagance.
MR. OSIAS: I think so. Does not the Gentleman think so, too?
MR. ESCAREAL: I do not know. I want to ask the Gentleman this question: In the United States, where women exercise the right to vote, has any economy been effected in running the Government?
MR. OSIAS: Well, that is a hard question to answer because we do not have the figures. Your guess is as good as mine.
MR. ABORDO: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: Yes, Gentleman from Palawan, always.
MR. ABORDO: Should the women be deprived of the right to vote now, by the Constitution that we are about to draft, would they be forever barred from voting?
MR. OSIAS: Forever, as far as the human eye can see. At least I cannot project my vision far enough to see a change in the Constitution we have to make. Consequently, is not the Gentleman behind me in advocating a Constitution that would insure the blessings of democracy to ourselves and posterity?
MR. ABORDO: Is the Gentleman not aware of the fact that in any constitution there always exists an amendatory provision?
MR. OSIAS: I think the Gentleman and I know that.
MR. ABORDO: If it's the general sentiment of the women populace of the country that suffrage should be given them, cannot the officers concerned amend, or provide a mandatory provision in, the Constitution?
MR. OSIAS. Not if the men of the future will be as selfish as the men who are for the selfish measure to deny the women the right of suffrage now.
MR. GRAFILO: Mr. President, I move that the word "selfish" be stricken from the record.
MR. OSIAS: The Gentleman is speaking from the heat of the moment.
MR. GRAFILO: I withdraw my motion.
MR. ABORDO: Referring to the question he heard last night about irregularities, does the Gentleman mean to say that such irregularities are not true?
MR. OSIAS: I do not know whether they are true or not. I said I was reliably informed that the person quoted was in favor of woman suffrage. And even granting that those alleged irregularities are true, they would simply show that women are equal to the situation regarding any matter.
MR. ABORDO: Notwithstanding the irregularities committed during the club election referred to last night, would the Gentleman from La Union insist that our women should go into the muddy and troublesome aspect of politics?
MR. OSIAS: Yes, just as I would not deny the men the right to vote and be voted for merely because they have already plunged into the mud.
MR. ABORDO: Is it not a traditional concept of the Filipinos alone to place the women on a pedestal and revere them?
MR. OSIAS: Precisely because they are placed on a high pedestal, I entertain the fond hope that by tradition they will raise politics from the mire into which it has fallen.
SR. MANSUETO: Señor Presidente, para unas preguntas al orador.
EL PRESIDENTE: El orador puede contestar si le place.
MR. OSIAS: With pleasure.
SR. MANSUETO: Si concedieramos el sufragio a la mujer, ¿que cualidades cree Su Señoria que debemos exigir para que las mujeres puedan votar y ser votadas?
MR. OSIAS: I would prefer that they be of age and that they possess the main educational qualification, that is to say, able to read and write either English or Spanish, or a native dialect.
SR. MANSUETO: ¿Cree su Señoria que el actual sistema de permitir que voten los analfabetos mejoraria si permitieramos a las mujeres ejercer tambien el derecho del voto?
SR. OSIAS: La tendencia seria mmimizar el numero de los analfabetos. Quiero decir que, como el derecho del sufragio ha sido ya ejercido por unos analfabetos, no quisiera que ahora se las prive del voto.
SR. MANSUETO: Gracias.
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, just one question. Does the Gentleman, in other words, conclude that the approval of the resolution would be a tyrannical and unjust and undemocratic act on the part of the Convention?
MR. OSIAS: May I ask unanimous consent for half a minute?
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, I give the Gentleman two more minutes.
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may proceed.
MR. OSIAS: I would like to ask unanimous consent to insert into the record certain resolutions on hand, although I am not acquainted with the signers of these resolutions.
MR. CONFESSOR: Mr. President, because the Gentleman wants consent, I would like to be informed . . .
MR. OSIAS: They are resolutions addressed to the Delegates of the Convention in favor of woman suffrage.
MR. CONFESSOR: When, last Friday?
MR. OSIAS: August 30. Is the Gentleman satisfied?
EL PRESIDENTE: El tiempo del orador ha expirado.
MR. GRAFILO. Mr. President, will those records be inserted in connection with the beautiful speech delivered by the distinguished Gentleman from La Union or separately?
MR. OSIAS: I care not how they are inserted. I am just submitting them for anybody to consult.
EL PRESIDENTE: Hay alguna objecion. (Silencio). La Mesa no oye ninguna. Insertense.
SR. ALTAVAS: Señor Presidente, pido que se conceda la palabra al Delegado Señor Alvero.
EL PRESIDENTE: Tiene la palabra el Delegado, Señor Alvero.
SR. ALVERO: Señor Presidente y Miembros de la Convencion. Al hablar hoy en contra del sufragio femenino no me mueven motivos de desprecio a la capacidad, las dotes intelectuales y sociales de la mujer filipina, sino al contrario, soy el primero en reconocer y ensalzar dichas buenas cualidades; pues, debido a su preparacion academica, ella esta demostrando habilidad ejecutiva no solamente dentro del hogar sino tambien en el terreno de las ciencias y las artes y contrubuye con su grano de arena a todo aquello que signifique progreso moral y material de la nacion.
La mujer comprende su responsabilidad dentro de la sociedad civil al igual que los hombres; pero, teniendo en cuenta la circunstancia de su sexo, debemos alejarla del terreno veleidoso de la politica para que su buen nombre dentro de la comunidad no sea mancillado. Ademas, esta visto que la politica es un instrumento que facilmente encona las pasiones humanas, sobre todo en los momentos mas sucios de la vida privada del individuo, verdad o mentira, salen a la luz y llegan con facilidad a oidos del publico. Si concedemos a la mujer el derecho del sufragio y permitimos que entre en las contiendas politicas, Señor Presidente y Caballeros de esta Convencion, estoy muy seguro de que en dia no lejano, ella perdera el respeto, aprecio y consideracion que hoy disfruta dentro de la sociedad familiar. Nosotros, que hemos permanecido bastante tiempo en la vida politica, hemos visto con nuestros propios ojos, los miles de sinsabores y desencantos que traen consigo las maldades de la politica; antes de dar un paso hacia adelante sobre este asunto, debemos pensar detenidamente estudiar a fondo la cuestion despojandonos de apasionamientos unos y otros, y teniendo solamente por pauta el bienestar de la mujer y de la familia filipina.
¿Cual es el verdadero proposito de nuestras mujeres al querer intervenir o compartir con los hombres el cumplimiento de los deberes de ciudadania? ¿Estan acaso dudosas de la habilidad de los hombres para manejar y administer los mejores intereses del pais? ¿No estan contentas todavia de su intervencion actual, cuando ellas de acuerdo con su habilidad y preparacion academica, ya ocupan cargos de nombramiento dentro del gobierno filipino?
Señor Presidente y Miembros de la Convencion, debemos ademas tener en cuenta otra circunstancia, la de que la mujer filipina, por naturaleza, es sensible y de facil excitacion y se enfada con prontitud, aun por las cosas mas nimias de la vida; y si nemos de conceder a la mujer el derecho del sufragio para que pueda intervenir en los asuntos politicos, no estaria lejos que contemplemos en nuestras calles riñas de comadres, como se dice en terminos vulgares.
En las luchas politicas siempre surgen cuestiones muy agitadas y desagradables y muchas veces ocurren disgustos no solamente de familia sino tambien de amigos; y en el curso de dichas campañas los defectos secretos del hombre salen fuera y se asoman a las puertas de la opinion publica.
Una vez concedido a las mujeres el derecho de sufragio, estas estaran en condiciones de poder seleccionar a sus propios candidatos; y suponed el caso de que marido y mujer tuviesen diferentes candidatos; sobre todo cuando ambos son de diferentes partidos politicos, ¿como se arreglaria este matrimonio dentro del seno de la familia? Y si, ademas, son intransigentes, empezaran por discutir sobre las cuestiones politicas y las cualidades personales de sus respectivos candidatos, dentro de casa, y acabaran por disgustarse. ¿Y cual seria el resultado de esto. sino la destruccion de la tranquilidad en la familia?
Sabemos tambien que la mision de la mujer, despues del matrimonio, es administrar dentro de la casa los bienes de la familia y tener el cuidado de los hijos. ¿Como quedarian estos pequeñuelos si sus padres saliesen a la vez de casa para hacer campaña electoral a favor de sus candidatos? ¿Esto, no seria tambien un abandono de los intereses de la familia ademas de que privaria del cuidado a que tienen derecho durante su infancia? Contestaran a esto los furibundos sufragistas diciendo que ese matrimonio podria pagar los servicios de una nurse. ¿Y cuantas de las familias filipinas podrian pagar el sueldo de una nurse? En nuestras comunidades rurales, apenas podriamos encontrar uno por ciento de las familias en condicionas para afrontar esta clase de atencion.
Un autor filipino de obras sobre ciencia politica, al hablar de las objeciones a la concesion del derecho de sufragio a la mujer, cita las siguientes: l.a la intervencion de la mujer en el ejercicio del sufragio destruiria su naturaleza, sus encantos, sus cualidades caracteristicas; la mujer tiene una mision distinta, que es la maternidad; sus ocupaciones y su influencia estan limitadas en el hogar, que quedaria disuelto sin la presencia de la mujer; 2. a si la mujer vota sin seguir la voluntad del padre, del marido o de los compañeros de casa, se introduciria una disension en el seno del hogar muy perjudicial para la unidad de la familia y hasta para la educacion de los hijos. 3.a Si por el contrario, la mujer hiciera lo que debe hacer y hace, por lo general, siguiendo la voluntad del padre, del marido, entonces equivaldria a dar al hombre un doble voto, y no se habra ganado nada concediendo el sufragio femenino; 4.a La mujer esta ria fisicamente imposibilitada de cumplir con los deberes de ciudadania y, o.a no todas las mujeres piden el sufragio, muchas de ellas hasta se oponen a el; en cada pueblo, aun los civilizados, muy contadas son las que agitan esta cuestion. El dia en que la peticion sea general, habra oportunidad de discutir debidamente esta cuestion.
Señor Presidente y miembros de la Convencion; la entrada de la mujer filipina en la arena politica de nuestro pais significaria duplicacion de gastos de nuestros fondos publicos. Actualmente, teneraos en toda Filipinas unos 1,503,113, electores registrados y el Gobierno esta gastando cada tres años la suma de P1,400,000.00. De esta cantidad el Gobierno insular asigna en su presupuesto la suma de P420,000.40; los gobiernos provinciales otra cantidad igual a la que gasta el Gobierno insular, o sea, P420,000.00, y los municipios contribuyen con mayor cantidad que las otras dos entidades de Gobierno, o sea, P560,000.00. Si les concedemos, el derecho de sufragio a las mujeres, estos 1,503,113 electores registrados, como ya hemos dicho, se duplicaria y los gastos tambien tendrian que duplicarse porque tendriamos que aumentar el numero del personal y otros gastos imprescindibles de la eleccion. Lo cual seria perjudicial para los intereses de nuestra economia nacional sobre todo en epoca de crisis como la que hoy a traviesa el pais y cuando los contribuyentes ya no pueden sobrellever tantos y tan grandes impuestos.
En vista de las razones por mi expuestas, Señor Presidente, abogo por la aprobacion de la resolucion.
He dicho.
LEVANTAMIENTO DE LA SESION
SR. ALTAVAS: Señor Presidente.
EL PRESIDENTE: Señor Delegado.
SR. ALTAVAS: Pido que se levante la session hasta el lunes a las cuatro de la tarde.
EL PRESIDENTE: ¿Hay alguna objecion a la mocion? (Silencio.) La Mesa no oye ninguna. Queda aprobada.
Se levanta la sesion.
Eran las 11:15 a.m.
De conformidad con lo acordado en la sesion del sabado, 27 de octubre de 1934, se insertan las siguientes resoluciones:
RESOLUCIONES
EL PRESIDENTE: Se declara abierta la sesion.
SR. GRAFILO: Señor Presidente.
EL PRESIDENTE: Señor Delegado.
SR. GRAFILO: Pido que se dispense la lectura de la lista de Delegados y del Acta, y que esta se de por aprobada.
EL PRESIDENTE: ¿Hay alguna objecion a la mocion? (Silencio.) La Mesa no oye ninguna. Queda aprobada.
CONCEDIENDO EL SUFRAGIO A LOS VARONES
SOLAMENTE.
(Continuacion)
EL PRESIDENTE: Esta en orden la continuacion de la discusion del Proyecto de Resolucion concediendo el sufragio a los varones solamente.
MR. ABELLA. Mr. President, before presenting the first speaker this morning, I would like to present the constitutional precept sponsored by the Chairman of the Committee on Suffrage, Delegate Jose Altavas from Capiz. It must be remembered by this Assembly that the Delegate from Capiz spoke against woman suffrage and further said that he had changed his mind a long time ago. So I would like the Secretary to read the precept for the information of the Assembly.
EL PRESIDENTE: La insercion que se pide es contraria a los procedimientos parlamentarios, y, por tanto, no puede la Mesa ordenar dicha insercion. Eso se puede hacer, haciendolo parte del discurso que se pronuncie.
MR. ABELLA. The orator this morning is the Delegate from La Union, Mr. Osias.
EL PRESIDENTE: Tiene la palabra el Delegado por La Union.
MR. OSIAS. Mr. president, I rise in opposition to the resolution presented. About the only thing commendatory about this resolution is that it is clear and free from ambiguity. It reads: "RESOLVED THAT THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION BE GRANTED TO MALE CITIZENS ONLY." In the present form, Mr. President, this resolution is inexcusably iniquitous and superlatively selfish. I am glad, however, that it recognizes that suffrage is a right because it speaks of the right of suffrage. If it is a right to vote, then to withhold it is a wrong. I said, Mr. President, that it is iniquitous because it withholds not only a right but what has become an acquired right granted to a considerable proportion of the Philippine population. To withdraw a right which, by law, has been granted is iniquitous, inequity itself. Note as it is worded, that the right of suffrage shall be granted to male citizens only, is superlative selfishness. I have seen no resolution presented in any deliberative body equalling this. It is well that some of us, Mr. President, should rise and speak for that inarticulate group of our population constituting practically fifty per cent who, if this resolution is approved, will be forever relegated to oblivion insofar as partisanship in concerned. There can be no political affairs is debate with respect to the right to vote not only as a right but as a privilege. It is furthermore a political responsibility which entails a weighty civic duty. For us to deny to what we at times gallantly refer to as the better half, this elemental right to vote and be voted, without even experimenting or giving a fair trial to the law granting women this right, which has been dreamed of for years and years by the women of the Philippines, is, again I say, inexcusably iniquitous and superlatively selfish. No self-respecting man ought to lend himself to a scheming proposition like this.
SR. KAPUNAN. Señor Presidente, pido que se descarte lo que acaba de decir el orador.
MR. OSIAS. This refers to no man; it is an impersonal statement; it refers to no Delegate. I am speaking of impersonal matters, Mr. President. The rules permit that.
It is time that we called a spade a spade and characterized the step that we are about to take, the only proper way that it should be characterized. Many who are opposed to the granting of suffrage to our women admit their capacity. They cannot deny that they have demonstrated their ability in various lines of human activity. All will, I think, unanimously pay tribute to women, and I am engaging in no panegyric when I refer to their heroism, their ability, their patriotism which at least equal those possessed by men.
(El Presidente cede el estrado al Delegado Sr. Kapunan.)
It has been stated here that it is unnecessary to grant women the right of suffrage because they are already excercising their influence in that direction. My answer is that what they are doing indirectly we ought to be willing to allow them to perform directly. It has been alleged that to permit women to vote and be voted would be the ruin of our homes. For those men who think thusly, I have nothing but respect. I would remind them. however, that they seem to show little faith in the stability of our homes if they entertain the fear that the mere grant of this right of suffrage would mean the ruination of Filipino homes. What if there should be a duplication of the vote of the husband when the wife votes? I say, what if there should be a duplication of the vow of the wife compared with the vote of the husband? Why not present the reverse of the picture? How about the husbands that merely reflect the views of the women now? There are two sides, and if they should differ, what of it? There is a difference in religion now which is more vital to the homes than a mere difference of political faith.
Mr. President, when this country and this Government embarked upon the policy of extending education not only to boys but to girls, the people here must have known that education of that nature necessarily had to result in women claiming greater participation in public affairs. To deny them the right of suffrage, to curtail their legitimate duty to render service to the country in the way that they covet, is to show lack of faith in the education of the women of the Philippines. Mr. President, if we recognize the peculiar genius of the Filipino women for household management, may I say that municipal government is nothing more than housekeeping on a large scale? To manage a municipality is nothing more than to manage a home, perhaps extended in its scope, and may I say to my fellow Delegates from the so-called Christian provinces, that we should take a lesson from the experience of our brethren in the South, wrongly referred to as Moroland, because with or without laws, they already have women who are Presidents in fact? We, who at times tend to look upon our brethren in the so-called special provinces as inferior in political experience, may well learn from the example that they have set. What is being done now, therefore, without sanction of law ought to be done with sanction of law, not only in Cotabato, not only in the South, but all over the Philippine Islands. In the resolution you seek to deny women the right of suffrage, and yet you trust a woman, your wife, in the selection of your food, in the training of your children, in the safekeeping of your family bank. It has been shown to be the experience, at least by common consent, because it is sanctioned by our own practice, that we recognize the superiority of the Filipino wife in the management of our household finances. Who knows but the entrance of Filipino women in politics may curtail this Saturnalia of extravagance that has entered the Government of the Philippine Islands?
Mr. President, I am against the resolution because it is against every tenet, every element, of modern democracy. We talk of democracy being a government of the people and yet deny fifty per cent of that self same people the right to vote. Why, we might just as well re-define democracy if we do this and say democracy is a government of less than half of the people for all the people. That would have to be our definition. Then it would be a funny definition at that, and yet would be truer to facts. There is an opposition that has cropped up against granting women the right of suffrage because of the supposed additional expense, and yet those same opponents of woman suffrage who talk in that manner have proposed the holding of a plebiscite which is also expensive. I do not see the logic of one who alleges that the right of suffrage should not be granted women because of additional expenses and at the same time proposes the holding of a plebiscite before granting the suffrage to women. Mr. President, when America granted the right of suffrage to men in the Philippine Islands, we were not required to have a plebiscite; we were granted it outright because it was right that it should be done. The requirement that we go into a plebiscite before we grant women the right of suffrage shows that the male citizens of this country lack control of our governmental affairs, and are not even just, fair, and generous to the flesh of their own flesh, to the blood of their own blood, as the Americans were when they granted the right of suffrage to men in the Philippine Islands. I cannot place myself in that position, and hence I am speaking against the resolution.
Opponents of woman suffrage depict of gloomy fate; they paint a dark picture as to the possible outcome of this grant of the right of suffrage. I do not despair, and the women of the Philippines ought not to despair either,because all social reforms have always ben accomplished to the accompaniment of the tune of the prophets of failure. Dire consequences were prophesied when higher education was granted to women of the Philippines. That has been true throughout the history of education, and yet we all know now that it was a proper thing to do and that it was to the advantage not only of every nation but of humanity at large that the women should be given equal opportunities in matters of education. Following the same line of reasoning, we ought to give them the opportunity to exercise suffrage. I cannot subcribe. Mr. President, to the philosophy of fear. to the philosophy of defratism, which is animating the opponents of woman suffrage who are making all sorts of dire prophesies with respect to the outcome of the grant of the right of suffrage. Instead of approving the resolution and incorporating in our Constitution a provision denying women the right of suffrage, worse than withholding a right that has already been granted by law, some such provision as this should be incorporated: “All persons who are not citizens or subjects of a foreign power, 18 years of age or over, except the insane and feeble-minded and those convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of an infamous offense, who have been residents of the Philippine Islands for one year..."
There are three features of that proposed constitutional provision that need elucidation. Clearly, the provision seeks to grant the right of suffrage to both men and women. It grants that right to those who have attained the age of eighteen years or over. It seeks, furthermore, to emphasize the educational qualifications, which is as it should be. Why, it is a sorry sight, just a painful sight, to allow men illiterates corrupt at times, to be kept in the quarters of candidates, then taken to the polls to see somebody else do the voting for them because they do not know how to read and write. And yet, because of my respect for age, I will not deny even the illiterate voters the right to vote, once they have qualified to vote, because it is wrong, iniquitous, to withhold or deny what is already conferred them by law.
Just a word, Mr. President, with regard to age. I see no reason why we should follow the age limit prescribed by countries in the temperate climates. It is known that tropical peoples mature earlier, die earlier and, therefore, I am for granting the right of suffrage to men and women with educational qualification eighteen years or over. I wish to announce my intention to propose that as an amendment at the proper time, when we shall consider the draft of the Constitution.
Let us be fair to the women by giving them the right to vote. There are people who criticize women when they come to this hall in great numbers. They say such women are compaigning. When women are not numerous, they are also criticized. It is not just, not courteous, to criticize them that way. Where is our bounteous spirit of gallantly and courtesy and respect to the women before whom, when we need them, we appear on bended knees? A supposed attack has been made on the capabilities of our women through some publication by a certain leader or two, doubting the advisability of granting women the right to vote. Mr. President, one sparrow does not make a summer. Besides, all of us are practical politicians; we know that there are things said in the heat of a political fight that are subject to revision in our calmer moments. And so we ought to think that anything said or published in the heat of the moment can be taken with a grain of salt.
I am reliably informed that the person quoted here as having doubted the wisdom of granting the right of suffrage to women, because of certain supposed irregularities committed in a club's election, is still in favor of woman suffrage. Today, even granting that what that person said is true, this does not prove that women are not capable of exercising the right of suffrage. It rather proves that they are ready because they even can go through the process that we ourselves have set as an example for them to follow.
Mr. President, I need not relate here the achievements of women in countries where the right of suffrage has been granted them. Literature on the subject is extensive; anyone of sufficient industry may consult it and there find that women have been instrumental in ameliorating the conditions of laboring classes, improving conditions in the factories where women and children work, providing playgrounds for growing citizens, and in other ways fostering cultural, social and spiritual movements that are essential to the development of a sound body politic. I doubt not that what has been achieved in other countries through the grant of the right of suffrage to women may likewise be enjoyed by this country of ours if we but forget our selfishness, if we but be fair to the women and let them exercise that right which by law is now theirs. We have various precedents to follow if we should consider granting the right of suffrage, without distinction of sex. We have Mexico, which, by Article 34 of her Constitution, grants the right of suffrage to women and men alike; Germany, Article 17 of its Constitution; Czechoslovakia, Article 9; Poland, Article 12; Ireland, Article 14; Spain, Article 36; and the United States, 19th Amendment. I am not going to repeat the history of the achievement and the service of women in other lands. That has been done by the previous speakers in support of the right of suffrage for women.
Before closing, Mr. President, may I avail myself of this occasion to say that I am indebted to women of the United States? As Resident Commissioner in the United States, laboring as best as I could, with the light that God gave me, I naturally sought their cooperation and enlisted the support of as many elements and organizations and individuals as possible in the United States in our gigantic fight for national emancipation. While the independence bill was pending in the Congress of the United States, there were women organizations interested in including as a provision of the independence law one which would confer the right of suffrage to the women of the Philippines. Mrs. Osias and I contacted those organizations and the leaders, and we begged them to desist from their intention for two reasons. First, I feared, and my colleagues likewise entertained the same view, that the introduction of another controversial point in the Independence Law might give rise to further dilatory tactics in the Congress of the United States and delay, if not frustrate, the passage of the Independence Act. Second, we believed that a social reform of such far-reaching significance had better come from the people themselves and that it was certainly much better for us to effect our own social reforms than have them forced upon us. Partly because of this, Mr. President, in addition to the fact, of course, that I am convinced of the proper step to take, I am standing today, speaking in favor of granting the right of suffrage not only to male citizens but to female citizens as well, 18 years of age or over. But the question of age can be discussed at some other time.
Mr. President, in closing, may I say that I favor women's participation in politics, because I entertain the hope that their entry will give weightier influence upon our body politic and induce the men in high places to give more thought to remedying the squalor that is now the lot of the poor and the lowly, instead of merely being dazzled by the splendor of the rich and the mighty?
Mr. President, I have a word of counsel to the women of the Philippines. I say that they should continue to adopt the peaceful, tactful, and dignified procedure that they have so far followed. We do not need to ape the tactics being employed in other countries. And may I say to them too that they should not cringe before this Convention or the Legislature? Their cause is just. They must win. They are entitled to win. I believe they will win. A great cause can never die. I am a believer in the dynamism of great ideas; and while we may delay for a time the fruition of those ideas and principles, we can never frustrate or entirely kill them. They will come at their appointed time.
And now to come back to the men who have before them this selfish proposition of granting the right of suffrage to male citizens only. My brethren, the women have fought long and patiently; they have faith in us; it is about time that we reciprocated and showed them our appreciation of their part in carrying the burden of this life, not by lip service or angled promises, but by actual deeds. Let us vote down the selfish proposition. Let us enthrone women. Give them the right that is their due, entitling them to suffrage and, more than that, to
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, the speaker has five minutes more to answer interpellations.
MR. INTING: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
Mr. OSIAS: Willingly.
MR. INTING: Do I understand from the Gentleman from La Union that he is opposed to the proposed plebiscite on woman suffrage?
MR. OSIAS: I said that I would prefer to have no plebiscite. If we are generous, let us give our women the right of suffrage.
MR. INTING: Is the Gentleman from La Union aware of the fact that one of the greatest arguments against the granting of suffrage to Filipino women is that a very insignificant portion of the Filipino women is demanding that right?
MR. OSIAS: I am opposed to plebiscite on this question of suffrage; I am only consistent with my stand in the United States. We are asked to have plebiscite on the independence question, because it is alleged that there are only a few Filipinos who really want independence. But, mere number proves nothing. Quality is what we want. (Applause.)
MR. INTING: But it is not true that if we give the right to vote to those who do not demand it, it will not be a right but rather an imposition or an obligation imposed upon them?
MR. OSIAS: It will not be an imposition, Sir, because the exercise will be voluntary. The exercise of that right will be voluntary, unless, of course, we adopt a provision for compulsory voting.
MR. INTING: Precisely that is the point I would like to raise.
MR. OSIAS: May I ask the Gentleman a question? Is the Gentleman in favor of woman suffrage?
MR. INTING: I am against it.
MR. OSIAS: Then we agree to disagree.
MR. GRAFILO: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: With pleasure.
MR. INTING: Is the Gentleman from La Union aware of the fact that in all democratic countries laws are made but that, afterwards, some of them are repealed or amended or substituted?
MR. OSIAS: Yes, certainly.
MR. GRAFILO: Is it not true that when a certain piece of legislation is passed, the passage of the law carries with it a certain right to those affected?
MR. OSIAS: I am listening.
MR. GRAFILO: And once that law is repealed or amended or substituted, the right is taken away, yet the countries in which this is done are still democratic?
MR. OSIAS: I hope the Gentleman is satisfied. I am not.
MR. GRAFILO: So then, even if we frustrate the grant of women suffrage, it may not be undemocratic; it may not be wrong when that right, which has not yet been exercised, is denied.
MR. OSIAS: Mr. President, in the northern part of the country whence I hail, we have there a belief that when you offer a gift and take it back, you will suffer scurvy. I do not want the legislators who granted woman suffrage to withdraw it, because I want them to be free from the ailment that may ensue should that belief be true, but I am not trying to be facetious. I think it is better that before a right is withdrawn, it ought to be given a chance to work. And, furthermore, I hope the Gentleman was one of those members of the Convention who resented an apparent outside interference on the part of another Body in matters concerning the Constitutional Convention. Following that same logic, I think we ought not to go over the head of the Legislature by withdrawing a right which it granted.
MR. GRAFILO: Another question. The right of suffrage, being in some instances construed as a burden, will it not be proper if, before that gift is given, we first consult in a plebiscite the recipient of that burden?
MR. OSIAS: Well, let us give the women both the bitter and the sweet.
MR. GFAFILO: Just for the last question. Can the Gentleman from La Union inform us what percentage of the inhabitants of the United States are exercising the right of suffrage.
MR. OSIAS: I am afraid to quote from memory.
MR. GRAFILO: But more or less.
MR. OSIAS: I do not want to guess.
MR. GRAFILO: Suppose we want to grant our women the right of suffrage, can the Gentleman from La Union more or less make an estimate of what portion of the female inhabitants will be affected?
MR. OSIAS: I could not estimate. May I ask, in return, how many electors actually voted in the Philippines at the election of the delegates?
MR. GRAFILO: By guess, they did not constitute fifteen per cent of our inhabitants. So doubling the percentage, should we grant women the right to vote, it may be between twenty-five and thirty.
MR. OSIAS: It would still be low. If it is very low, now, give the women the right of suffrage.
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, the time of the Gentleman has expired.
MR. VINZONS: I move that he be given five minutes more to answer questions.
THE PRESIDENT: Is there any objection? (After a pause.) The Chair hears none. The Gentleman can continue.
MR. GRAGEDA: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: With pleasure.
MR. GRAGEDA: The distinguished Gentleman from La Union.
MR. OSIAS: Omit "distinguished."
MR. GRAGEDA: It's all right. The Gentleman has stated that if we do not grant suffrage to women we had better define democracy as a government of one-half of the people, by the people and for the people.
MR. OSIAS: I say it would be nearer the facts.
MR. GRAGEDA: But is it not a fact that when Lincoln said that phrase "of the people, by the people and for the people," there was then no woman suffrage in the United States, to show that it was not necessary?
MR. OSIAS: Yes, but far-seeing man that he was, he knew that it was coming.
MR. GRAGEDA: Anyway, he did not provide for the definition.
MR. OSIAS: He was looking forward to the ideal condition.
MR. ESCAREAL: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: Willingly.
MR. ESCAREAL: The Gentleman referred to a debt of honor which he contracted while Resident Commissioner in the United States.
MR. OSIAS: ...which I morally contracted.
MR. ESCAREAL: Did the Gentleman compromise himself—at least the women of the Philippines, or the Constitutional Convention ...
MR. OSIAS: I compromised nobody.
MR. ESCAREAL: ...to give women the right to vote, during the campaign for independence?
MR. OSIAS: I promised nobody. In fact, I asked them to get behind the independence movement.
MR. ESCAREAL: And the point of view of the Gentleman is that...
MR. OSIAS: That woman suffrage should come by grant and decision of the Filipino people themselves, instead of the people of the United States.
MR. ESCAREAL: I have not finished my question yet. The point of view of the Gentleman is that he, having promised women of the United States that our women would be given the right to vote—at least that you would help in obtaining for them the right to vote...
MR. OSIAS: All I promised is that I would, upon my return to my country, work for the grant of the right of suffrage to women, and I am doing that now.
MR. ESCAREAL: And would he not ask us to follow?
MR. OSIAS: I have not promised anybody.
MR. ESCAREAL: But the Gentleman is trying to convince us to follow his steps.
MR. OSIAS: Just as the Gentleman is trying to convince me to follow his way.
MR. ESCAREAL: I am asking you information.
MR. OSIAS: If the Gentleman did me the honor of being converted, I would thank him the rest of my life.
MR. ESCAREAL: Just for the information of the rest of this Body, myself included, because the Gentleman said that what one says in the heat of a campaign may be subject to revision in his calmer moments. Did the Gentleman say something in the heat of that gigantic campaign for independence in the United States, something which may be subject to revision in the calmer moments of this deliberative assembly?
MR. OSIAS: The Gentleman has heard what I said in the heat of the moment, in the aftermath of that campaign, and in the serenity of this Body.
MR. ESCAREAL: Just one more question. The Gentleman mentioned that he hoped the entrance of women in public affairs through the right of suffrage would ameliorate or wipe out that Saturnalia of extravagance in our Government. I do not know if I understood the Gentleman right, if he hoped that there would be economy in managing the Government, that there would be no more extravagance.
MR. OSIAS: I think so. Does not the Gentleman think so, too?
MR. ESCAREAL: I do not know. I want to ask the Gentleman this question: In the United States, where women exercise the right to vote, has any economy been effected in running the Government?
MR. OSIAS: Well, that is a hard question to answer because we do not have the figures. Your guess is as good as mine.
MR. ABORDO: Mr. President, will the Gentleman yield?
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may yield, if he so desires.
MR. OSIAS: Yes, Gentleman from Palawan, always.
MR. ABORDO: Should the women be deprived of the right to vote now, by the Constitution that we are about to draft, would they be forever barred from voting?
MR. OSIAS: Forever, as far as the human eye can see. At least I cannot project my vision far enough to see a change in the Constitution we have to make. Consequently, is not the Gentleman behind me in advocating a Constitution that would insure the blessings of democracy to ourselves and posterity?
MR. ABORDO: Is the Gentleman not aware of the fact that in any constitution there always exists an amendatory provision?
MR. OSIAS: I think the Gentleman and I know that.
MR. ABORDO: If it's the general sentiment of the women populace of the country that suffrage should be given them, cannot the officers concerned amend, or provide a mandatory provision in, the Constitution?
MR. OSIAS. Not if the men of the future will be as selfish as the men who are for the selfish measure to deny the women the right of suffrage now.
MR. GRAFILO: Mr. President, I move that the word "selfish" be stricken from the record.
MR. OSIAS: The Gentleman is speaking from the heat of the moment.
MR. GRAFILO: I withdraw my motion.
MR. ABORDO: Referring to the question he heard last night about irregularities, does the Gentleman mean to say that such irregularities are not true?
MR. OSIAS: I do not know whether they are true or not. I said I was reliably informed that the person quoted was in favor of woman suffrage. And even granting that those alleged irregularities are true, they would simply show that women are equal to the situation regarding any matter.
MR. ABORDO: Notwithstanding the irregularities committed during the club election referred to last night, would the Gentleman from La Union insist that our women should go into the muddy and troublesome aspect of politics?
MR. OSIAS: Yes, just as I would not deny the men the right to vote and be voted for merely because they have already plunged into the mud.
MR. ABORDO: Is it not a traditional concept of the Filipinos alone to place the women on a pedestal and revere them?
MR. OSIAS: Precisely because they are placed on a high pedestal, I entertain the fond hope that by tradition they will raise politics from the mire into which it has fallen.
SR. MANSUETO: Señor Presidente, para unas preguntas al orador.
EL PRESIDENTE: El orador puede contestar si le place.
MR. OSIAS: With pleasure.
SR. MANSUETO: Si concedieramos el sufragio a la mujer, ¿que cualidades cree Su Señoria que debemos exigir para que las mujeres puedan votar y ser votadas?
MR. OSIAS: I would prefer that they be of age and that they possess the main educational qualification, that is to say, able to read and write either English or Spanish, or a native dialect.
SR. MANSUETO: ¿Cree su Señoria que el actual sistema de permitir que voten los analfabetos mejoraria si permitieramos a las mujeres ejercer tambien el derecho del voto?
SR. OSIAS: La tendencia seria mmimizar el numero de los analfabetos. Quiero decir que, como el derecho del sufragio ha sido ya ejercido por unos analfabetos, no quisiera que ahora se las prive del voto.
SR. MANSUETO: Gracias.
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, just one question. Does the Gentleman, in other words, conclude that the approval of the resolution would be a tyrannical and unjust and undemocratic act on the part of the Convention?
MR. OSIAS: May I ask unanimous consent for half a minute?
MR. ABELLA: Mr. President, I give the Gentleman two more minutes.
THE PRESIDENT: The Gentleman may proceed.
MR. OSIAS: I would like to ask unanimous consent to insert into the record certain resolutions on hand, although I am not acquainted with the signers of these resolutions.
MR. CONFESSOR: Mr. President, because the Gentleman wants consent, I would like to be informed . . .
MR. OSIAS: They are resolutions addressed to the Delegates of the Convention in favor of woman suffrage.
MR. CONFESSOR: When, last Friday?
MR. OSIAS: August 30. Is the Gentleman satisfied?
EL PRESIDENTE: El tiempo del orador ha expirado.
MR. GRAFILO. Mr. President, will those records be inserted in connection with the beautiful speech delivered by the distinguished Gentleman from La Union or separately?
MR. OSIAS: I care not how they are inserted. I am just submitting them for anybody to consult.
EL PRESIDENTE: Hay alguna objecion. (Silencio). La Mesa no oye ninguna. Insertense.
SR. ALTAVAS: Señor Presidente, pido que se conceda la palabra al Delegado Señor Alvero.
EL PRESIDENTE: Tiene la palabra el Delegado, Señor Alvero.
DISCURSO DEL DELEGADO ALVERO DE ROMBLON ANTE LA CONVENCION CONSTITUCIONAL
SR. ALVERO: Señor Presidente y Miembros de la Convencion. Al hablar hoy en contra del sufragio femenino no me mueven motivos de desprecio a la capacidad, las dotes intelectuales y sociales de la mujer filipina, sino al contrario, soy el primero en reconocer y ensalzar dichas buenas cualidades; pues, debido a su preparacion academica, ella esta demostrando habilidad ejecutiva no solamente dentro del hogar sino tambien en el terreno de las ciencias y las artes y contrubuye con su grano de arena a todo aquello que signifique progreso moral y material de la nacion.
La mujer comprende su responsabilidad dentro de la sociedad civil al igual que los hombres; pero, teniendo en cuenta la circunstancia de su sexo, debemos alejarla del terreno veleidoso de la politica para que su buen nombre dentro de la comunidad no sea mancillado. Ademas, esta visto que la politica es un instrumento que facilmente encona las pasiones humanas, sobre todo en los momentos mas sucios de la vida privada del individuo, verdad o mentira, salen a la luz y llegan con facilidad a oidos del publico. Si concedemos a la mujer el derecho del sufragio y permitimos que entre en las contiendas politicas, Señor Presidente y Caballeros de esta Convencion, estoy muy seguro de que en dia no lejano, ella perdera el respeto, aprecio y consideracion que hoy disfruta dentro de la sociedad familiar. Nosotros, que hemos permanecido bastante tiempo en la vida politica, hemos visto con nuestros propios ojos, los miles de sinsabores y desencantos que traen consigo las maldades de la politica; antes de dar un paso hacia adelante sobre este asunto, debemos pensar detenidamente estudiar a fondo la cuestion despojandonos de apasionamientos unos y otros, y teniendo solamente por pauta el bienestar de la mujer y de la familia filipina.
¿Cual es el verdadero proposito de nuestras mujeres al querer intervenir o compartir con los hombres el cumplimiento de los deberes de ciudadania? ¿Estan acaso dudosas de la habilidad de los hombres para manejar y administer los mejores intereses del pais? ¿No estan contentas todavia de su intervencion actual, cuando ellas de acuerdo con su habilidad y preparacion academica, ya ocupan cargos de nombramiento dentro del gobierno filipino?
Señor Presidente y Miembros de la Convencion, debemos ademas tener en cuenta otra circunstancia, la de que la mujer filipina, por naturaleza, es sensible y de facil excitacion y se enfada con prontitud, aun por las cosas mas nimias de la vida; y si nemos de conceder a la mujer el derecho del sufragio para que pueda intervenir en los asuntos politicos, no estaria lejos que contemplemos en nuestras calles riñas de comadres, como se dice en terminos vulgares.
En las luchas politicas siempre surgen cuestiones muy agitadas y desagradables y muchas veces ocurren disgustos no solamente de familia sino tambien de amigos; y en el curso de dichas campañas los defectos secretos del hombre salen fuera y se asoman a las puertas de la opinion publica.
Una vez concedido a las mujeres el derecho de sufragio, estas estaran en condiciones de poder seleccionar a sus propios candidatos; y suponed el caso de que marido y mujer tuviesen diferentes candidatos; sobre todo cuando ambos son de diferentes partidos politicos, ¿como se arreglaria este matrimonio dentro del seno de la familia? Y si, ademas, son intransigentes, empezaran por discutir sobre las cuestiones politicas y las cualidades personales de sus respectivos candidatos, dentro de casa, y acabaran por disgustarse. ¿Y cual seria el resultado de esto. sino la destruccion de la tranquilidad en la familia?
Sabemos tambien que la mision de la mujer, despues del matrimonio, es administrar dentro de la casa los bienes de la familia y tener el cuidado de los hijos. ¿Como quedarian estos pequeñuelos si sus padres saliesen a la vez de casa para hacer campaña electoral a favor de sus candidatos? ¿Esto, no seria tambien un abandono de los intereses de la familia ademas de que privaria del cuidado a que tienen derecho durante su infancia? Contestaran a esto los furibundos sufragistas diciendo que ese matrimonio podria pagar los servicios de una nurse. ¿Y cuantas de las familias filipinas podrian pagar el sueldo de una nurse? En nuestras comunidades rurales, apenas podriamos encontrar uno por ciento de las familias en condicionas para afrontar esta clase de atencion.
Un autor filipino de obras sobre ciencia politica, al hablar de las objeciones a la concesion del derecho de sufragio a la mujer, cita las siguientes: l.a la intervencion de la mujer en el ejercicio del sufragio destruiria su naturaleza, sus encantos, sus cualidades caracteristicas; la mujer tiene una mision distinta, que es la maternidad; sus ocupaciones y su influencia estan limitadas en el hogar, que quedaria disuelto sin la presencia de la mujer; 2. a si la mujer vota sin seguir la voluntad del padre, del marido o de los compañeros de casa, se introduciria una disension en el seno del hogar muy perjudicial para la unidad de la familia y hasta para la educacion de los hijos. 3.a Si por el contrario, la mujer hiciera lo que debe hacer y hace, por lo general, siguiendo la voluntad del padre, del marido, entonces equivaldria a dar al hombre un doble voto, y no se habra ganado nada concediendo el sufragio femenino; 4.a La mujer esta ria fisicamente imposibilitada de cumplir con los deberes de ciudadania y, o.a no todas las mujeres piden el sufragio, muchas de ellas hasta se oponen a el; en cada pueblo, aun los civilizados, muy contadas son las que agitan esta cuestion. El dia en que la peticion sea general, habra oportunidad de discutir debidamente esta cuestion.
Señor Presidente y miembros de la Convencion; la entrada de la mujer filipina en la arena politica de nuestro pais significaria duplicacion de gastos de nuestros fondos publicos. Actualmente, teneraos en toda Filipinas unos 1,503,113, electores registrados y el Gobierno esta gastando cada tres años la suma de P1,400,000.00. De esta cantidad el Gobierno insular asigna en su presupuesto la suma de P420,000.40; los gobiernos provinciales otra cantidad igual a la que gasta el Gobierno insular, o sea, P420,000.00, y los municipios contribuyen con mayor cantidad que las otras dos entidades de Gobierno, o sea, P560,000.00. Si les concedemos, el derecho de sufragio a las mujeres, estos 1,503,113 electores registrados, como ya hemos dicho, se duplicaria y los gastos tambien tendrian que duplicarse porque tendriamos que aumentar el numero del personal y otros gastos imprescindibles de la eleccion. Lo cual seria perjudicial para los intereses de nuestra economia nacional sobre todo en epoca de crisis como la que hoy a traviesa el pais y cuando los contribuyentes ya no pueden sobrellever tantos y tan grandes impuestos.
En vista de las razones por mi expuestas, Señor Presidente, abogo por la aprobacion de la resolucion.
He dicho.
SR. ALTAVAS: Señor Presidente.
EL PRESIDENTE: Señor Delegado.
SR. ALTAVAS: Pido que se levante la session hasta el lunes a las cuatro de la tarde.
EL PRESIDENTE: ¿Hay alguna objecion a la mocion? (Silencio.) La Mesa no oye ninguna. Queda aprobada.
Se levanta la sesion.
Eran las 11:15 a.m.
De conformidad con lo acordado en la sesion del sabado, 27 de octubre de 1934, se insertan las siguientes resoluciones:
Lingayen, Pangasinan, P. I.
August 30, 1934.
To the Delegates of the
Constitutional Convention
of the Philippines
Dear Sirs:
Whereas we the mothers in Lingayen, Pangasinan, are most interested in the future welfare of our country;
Whereas we believe that the women of the Philippines have adequately developed educationally, religiously and profesisonally so as to qualify them to wisely participate in the problems and interests of their country;
Whereas the women of the Philippines feel it their privilege and duty to lay down at the altar of their country their unqualified support, devotion and loyalty in the promotion of their country's welfare;
Whereas the Ninth Legislature of 1933 has granted woman suffrage so as to give women an equal rightmen;
Whereas the exclusion of women's rights from the Constitution is a grievous and unjust act against the womenhood of the country who have been, thru their rightful heritage, the most privileged women of the Orient;
Whereas the exclusion of women's rights would be an open testimony to the nations of the world of the lack of love, respect and fairness of the men of the Philippines for their mothers, wives and daughters;
Whereas we the women of this country expect to remain an organic body for the survival of the nation for the present and throughout the years to come; and
Whereas the Delegates of the Convention have been chosen to represent the true sentiment of their people and to make the Constitution, which will affect the welfare of both men and women of the country; therefore,
Be it resolved that we register our most justified protest against the unjust effort of excluding women's rights in the future Constitution of our country, and let our resolution be forwarded to the Convention thru the kindness of Mrs. Pilar Hidalgo Lim.Yours for success of woman's suffrage,
Victoriana Quinto—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Eusebia S. Paco—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Modesta C. de Mamaril—Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Gregoria C. Ballen—Alaminos, Pangasinan,
Maria C. Orlino—Bani, Pangasinan,
Cristina de Frianeza—Mangaldan, Pangasinan,
Isagle de Cabrera—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Rosario V. Quintos—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Fortunata Quintos—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Presentacion A. Quintos—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Nenita S. Santos—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Benedicta V. Ferrer—Pozorrubio, Pangasinan,
Alejandra Rosario—Baay, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Maria de Roque—Baay, Lingayen, Pangapinan,
Edobijes de Santos—Baay, Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Fernanda C. Ulanday—Baay, Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Faustina Arias—Baay, Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Placida B. Adam—Baay, Lingayen, Pangasinan
Brigida Loriano—Baay, Lingayen, Pangasinan---------- Lingayen, Pangasinan
August 30, 1934
To the Delegates of the
Constitutional Convention
of the Philippines
Dear Sirs:
Whereas we the women of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lingayen, Pangasinan, representing different localities, are greatly interested in the future welfare of our country;
Whereas we believe that the women of the Philippines have adequately developed educationally, religiously and professionally so as to qualify them to wisely participate in the problems and interests of their country;
Whereas we believe that of womanhood is demanded the loving sacrifice of bringing up men and women for the future; and we are most interested in the future destiny of our sons and daughters;
Whereas the women of the Philippines feel it their privilege and duty to lay down at the altar of their country, their unqualified support, devotion and loyalty in the promotion of their country's welfare;
Whereas the Ninth Legislature of 1933 has granted woman suffrage so as to give women equal rights with men;
Whereas the exclusion of women's rights from the Constitution is a grievous and unjust act against the women of the country who have been thru their rightful heritage, the most privileged women of the Orient;
Whereas the exclusion of women's rights would be an open testimony to the nations of the world of the lack of love, respect and fairness of the men of the Philippines for their mothers, wives and daughters;
Whereas we the women of this country expect to remain an organic body for the survival of the nation for the present and throughout the years to come; and
Whereas the Delegates of the Convention have been chosen to represent the true sentiment of their people and to make the Constitution, which will affect the welfare of both men and women of the country; therefore,
Be it resolved that we register our most justified protest against the unjust effort of excluding women's rights from the future Constitution of our country, and let our resolution be forwarded to the Convention thru the kindness of Mrs. Pilar Hidalgo Lim.Yours for the success of the woman suffrage,
Dolores Pano-Lacas—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Eulalia Zabala-Calmay—Dagupan, Pangasinan,
Ana Lumagua—San Nicolas, Pangasinan,
Silvina Paco-Laclac—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Refusiana Pajila-Lacao—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Mercedes Vilar—San Quitin Pangasinan,
Ruth Oines—Narvacan, Ilocos Sur,
Juana Belicario—Umingan, Pangasinan,
Benigada Hidalgo—La Trinidad, Benguet,
Beniqueta Policarpio—Umingan. Pangasinan,
Roda Navarro—Santa Maria, Pangasinan,
Trinidad Vultar—San Quintin, Pangasinan,
Avelina Garibay—San Manuel, Pangasinan,
Resurreccion Perez—Pozzorrubio, Pangasinan,
Pastora Facena—Asingan, Pangasinan,
Angeles Cruz—Binmaley, Pangasinan,
Sufracia Belt ran—Calasiao, Pangasinan,
Maria Paco-Lasac—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Remedios Repinosa—Calasiao, Pangasinan,
Flora Hidalgo—Trinidad, Benguet,
Librada F. Baltazar—Jacob a Street, Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Teresa C. Munar—El Legionario St., Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Emerciana C. Malanum—Mangaldan, Pangasinan,
Florentina R. Coquia—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Maria S. Borrezo—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Alicia Macaltao—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Encarnacion M. Manuel—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Josefa Gavino—Tarlac, Tarlac,
Maria B. Adam—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
ApoIonia O. Cacho—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Ceferina Lagira—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Conchita Lincod—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Antonia Celestino—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Inocencia de Garcia—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Paulina Gallardo—Lingayen, Pangasinan,---------- Lingayen, Pangasinan,
August 30, 1934
To the Delegates of the
Constitutional Convention
of the Philippines
Dear Sirs:
Whereas we the teachers and students of Mary Brown Townsand Memorial Bible Woman's Training School in Lingayen, Pangasinan, representing the central and Northern provinces of Luzon, are greatly interested in the future of our country;
Whereas we believe that the women of the Philippines have adequately developed educationally, religiously and professionally so as to qualify them to wisely participate in the problems and interests of their country;
Whereas we believe that of womanhood is demanded the loving sacrifice of bringing up men and women for the future, and women are most interested in the future destiny of their sons and daughters:
Whereas the women of the Philippines feel it their privilege and duty to lay down at the altar of their country, their unqualified support, devotion and loyalty in the promotion of their country's welfare;
Whereas the Ninth Legislature of 1933 has granted woman suffrage so as to give women an equal right with men;
Whereas the exclusion of women's rights from the Constitution is a grievous and unjust act against the women of the country who have been, thru their rightful heritage, the most privileged women of the Orient;
Whereas the exclusion of women's rights would be an open testimony to the nations of the world of the lack of love, respect and fairness of the men of the Philippines for their mothers, wives and daughters;
Whereas we the women of this country expect to remain an organic body for the survival of the nation for the present and throughout the years to come; and
Whereas the Delegates of the Convention have been chosen to represent the true sentiment of their people and to make the Constitution, which will affect the welfare of both men and women of the country; therefore,
Be it resolved that we register our most justified protest against the unjust effort of excluding the women's rights from the future Constitution of our country, and let our resolution be forwarded to the Convention thru the kindness of Mrs. Pilar Hidalgo-Lim.Yours for the success of the woman suffrage,
Silveria N. Lucas—Victoria, Tarlac,
Esperanza C. Bomanlag—Vigan, Ilocos Sur,
Januaria S. Casipit—Alaminos, Pan gasinan,
Soleman Roralin—Pupao, Nueva Ecija,
Margarita Paco-Pasac—Manaoag, Pangasinan,
Patrocinia S. Ocampo—Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Josefina S. Portin—Paniqui, Tarlac,
Antonina T. Vela—Victoria, Tarlac,
Eloisa Castil—Anda, Pangasinan,
Maria Mariano—Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya,
Epifania Aquino—Mangaldan, Fangasinan,
Edelina G. Rimando—Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya,
Dkmista S. Adralin—Kupao, Nueva Ecija,
Rhoda Calicdan—Anda, Pangasinan,
Larieta Adnocara—Moncada, Tarlac,
Mariana B. Mansanilla—La Paz, Abra,
Cornelia C. Bila—Alcala, Pangasinan,
Margarita C. fiascos, Villasis, Pangasinan,
Ruth A. Siazon—Alcala, Cagayan,
Pacita Cortes—San Manuel, Pangasinan,
Maria Wenceslao—Baler, Tayabas,
Felisa Abadu-Dodan—Penablanca, Cagayan
Maxima M. Barnilla—Alcala, Cagayan,
Crescenciana R. Sibul—Callao, Penablanca, Cagayan,
Josefina B. Branga—Burgos, Pangasinan,
Barcelina Balanian-—Galimoyod, Ilocos Sur,
Eugenia Ramirez—Carmen, Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija,
Pricillana Pagarigan—Pamplona, Cagayan,
Saturnina Lecitorna—Resales, Pangasinan,
Caridad B. Ramos—Gerona, Tarlac,
Rebecca A. Abenoja—Munoz, Nueva Ecija,
Ester Vicadme—Villasis, Pangasinan,
Segunda G. Lapurga—Guimba, Nueva Ecija,
Trinidad R. Ignacio—Bani, Pangasinan,
Rose D. Lagera—San Nicolas, Pangasinan,
Severina O. Murallos—Umingan, Pangasinan,
Visitaci6n Deculing—Mallatatan Cama, Isabela,
Gervacia G. Crispino—Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija,
Maria C. Loduico—-Tuao, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya,
Rutida C. Dellage—Bani, Pangasinan,
Adrina Gabriel—Calao, Santiago, Isabela,
Esberta Ranno—Nagtablaan, Sta. Lucia,
Mamencia C. Caras—Anda, Pangasinan,
Conrada Raza-Agusiag—Alcala, Cagayan,
Conriana Pelayas—Rizal, Nueva Ecija,
Leona R. Cruz—Munoz, Nueva Ecija,
Agripina B. Marquez—San Roque, San Manuel, Pangasinan,
Rufina C. Sumaglit—San Manuel, Pangasinan,
Marcel la O. Bucasas—San Roque, Lupao,
Calixta T. Catabay—Bani, Pangasinan,
Jacobina M. Hernandez—Baler, Tayabas,
Januaria Coniaga—Asingan, Pangasinan,
Angelina Savaltierra—San Leonidas, Nueva Ecija.