Senator Pia "Compañera" S. Cayetano

Biography | Resume

She is the youngest woman elected in the history of the Philippine Senate. A lawyer, triathlete and mother of two, Senator Pia S. Cayetano is continuously proving that there is no limit to what Filipino women can do and achieve.

Pia first ran for the Senate in 2004 as a complete newcomer in politics. The public knew little about her then apart from being the daughter of the late Senator Companero Rene L. Cayetano. But this was to change in the next six years, as Pia would prove herself worthy of the overwhelming mandate she received from the electorate on her neophyte term.

Relying on her deft and training as a lawyer, discipline and strength as an athlete, and heart as a mother, Pia worked in the 13th and 14th Congress to pass several landmark laws that mattered to common Filipinos and the marginalized sectors, particularly to women, children and senior citizens.

In 2010, Pia sought reelection armed with a solid track record in the Senate. She was elected top sixth in the senatorial elections.

Pia’s legislative achievements include: the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” which restores the 20-percent discount of the elderly by exempting their purchases from the 12-percent value added tax; “Magna Carta of Women,” which aims to end all forms of gender discrimination; and “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act,” which establishes lactation stations in public places and the workplace to allow working mothers to continue breastfeeding.

She likewise worked for the passage of the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law of 2008,” which seeks to lower prices of essential medicines; “Food and Drugs Administration Act” which strengthens government mechanisms to ensure the safety of food, drugs and cosmetics being sold in the market; “Hospital Detention Act” which prohibits the “detention” of indigent patients on account of unsettled medical bills; and the “Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office or PDAO Act,” which institutionalizes the creation of an office to look after the concerns of people with disabilities in all local government units.

On the other hand, Pia’s laws related to the environment include: The “Renewable Energy Act of 2008,” which seeks to develop our country’s vast reserves of renewable energy sources; "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2007," which integrates environmental education in the curriculum in all school levels; and various local protected area laws covering critical ecosystems all over the country. To name a few: The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act, Mts. Banahaw and San Cristobal Protected Landscape Act, and Central Cebu Protected Landscape Act.

Pia also brought honor to the country as an international parliamentarian. From 2008 to 2010, she served as President of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This is the highest position ever achieved by a Filipino and an Asian in the 121-year history of the IPU, which is considered as the “United Nations” of parliamentarians around the world.

Outside the halls of Congress, Pia has been actively promoting her various advocacies through sports events and the various foundations she heads. These include: “Pinay in Action,” which promotes empowerment of women by providing them with venues to take on a healthy lifestyle and to learn about their rights and health concerns, including cervical and breast cancer; “Bike for Hope” which raises community awareness on environmental issues; and the “Gabriel’s Symphony Foundation,” named after Pia’s son who died from a rare congenital ailment in 2001, which helps differently abled children lead better lives.

A seasoned runner, biker and swimmer, Pia advocates sports as part of a holistic youth development program to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle. She actively joins local and international sporting events, including marathons and triathlons.

She is a proud finisher of the Western Australia Ironman, a grueling 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike and 42-kilometer run; Aviva Ironman 70.3 in Singapore; and the Cobra Ironman 70.3 in Camarines Sur, among others. A marathoner since her law school days, she has competed in numerous marathons including the New York Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, Venice Marathon and Amsterdam Marathon. The youngest member and captain of the Philippine volleyball team in her college days, the lady senator continues to support local athletes and programs aimed at discovering young sports talents.

Whether on the Senate floor defending a legislative measure, or out in the communities to raise social awareness on health, women empowerment and the environment, or when leading sports activities for a cause, Pia is driven by the same passion and work ethic that has made her among the country's most accomplished young leaders.

The daughter of the late "Compañero" has come into her own and has made her distinguishing mark in the nation's consciousness as the “Pinay In Action” of the Philippine Senate.

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