I usually reserve the entire Holy Week as my time to disconnect—do a little contemplating, a whole lot of cleaning, and maybe sneak in an overdue nap or two. But this past Tuesday, something different was penciled into my planner: a sit-down with Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng.
She’s long been known for having one of the most beautiful faces in Philippine politics, and I’ve seen her a few times at Beautéderm events where she is an ambassador, but this was my first time to actually talk with her.
What I didn’t expect was just how sharp, grounded, and fearless she is—especially when it comes to the causes she’s fighting for. And why, instead of running for a congressional seat, she’s now the first nominee of Kababaihan Partylist #128.
We met at Dark Roast Coffeehouse, a cozy café tucked in the heart of Maginhawa. The place had just the right balance of hip and homey—much like Coun. Kate herself.
Her personal stories made us laugh, but when she began explaining why she’s running, the room shifted. It’s easy to be struck by her beauty, but it’s her conviction that truly stays with you.
A Childhood Lesson in Leadership
In the middle of our conversation, I asked what drove her to enter politics at just 22—making her the youngest councilor in Valenzuela City at the time.
She smiled and recalled a moment from grade school: she was nominated as class muse. Most girls would’ve taken it as a compliment. She didn’t. “I wanted to be class president, not decorate the corner of the chalkboard,” she said.
That moment reminded me of Ae-Sun from the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines—a bright student who, after being cheated out of the class presidency, vowed to change the system that never seemed to favor girls.
Sitting across from Kate, I saw that same fire. “I never wanted to just be in the background,” she told me. “I knew I could do a lot more.”
A Record of Lasting Change
From Valenzuela to Quezon City—where she currently serves in her last term, Kate has built a legacy grounded in meaningful legislation. Among her proudest accomplishments: co-authoring the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Ordinance (SP-3299, S-2024) and helping establish Quezon City University, which now provides free, accessible higher education to thousands.
She’s not the kind of politician who makes noise just for headlines. Instead, she listens, drafts, negotiates, and delivers. Her focus has always been the same: women, solo parents, and those too often left behind.
Why a Partylist?
So why not run for Congress? Why opt for a partylist seat?
“I felt like I had already done everything I could as a councilor,” she explained. “But the issues I care most about—women’s welfare, solo parents, economic empowerment—those are national concerns. They need a national platform.”
And that’s what Kababaihan Partylist #128 is all about.
Empowering Women, Economically and Emotionally
At the core of Kababaihan’s platform is economic empowerment. Kate discussed their proposed Micro-Finance Law for Women, which would provide accessible capital—ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱500,000—to mothers, solo parents, and women from underserved communities trying to start or grow their own businesses.
“We’re not just giving relief,” she said. “We’re giving women the means to stand on their own.”
Then there’s the Tahanan ng Kababaihan, a proposed NIGHT CARE CENTER for mothers working night shifts—call center agents, nurses, waitresses, security guards. The center would offer not just childcare, but also a safe space for victims of abuse, as well as access to legal and psychological support.
“It’s a complete support system,” she explained. “Because women’s needs don’t clock out.”
Tackling Divorce, Head-On
Of all the issues Kate champions, she knows divorce is the most controversial. But she doesn’t tiptoe around it.
“This isn’t about making marriage disposable, but about making justice accessible.”
She believes divorce should only apply under serious circumstances—domestic violence, abandonment, infidelity, substance abuse—but must come with financial safeguards for women and children. More importantly, she wants to make it affordable.
“Annulment is a privilege for the wealthy,” she said. “What about the women stuck in abusive marriages who can’t afford to leave? They deserve a way out, too.”
Through Kababaihan, she’s pushing to finally legalize divorce—not as an attack on family values, but as a recognition of human dignity and the right to live free from harm.
Fighting for Every Woman—and Every Voice
Kababaihan’s advocacy doesn’t stop at gender. Kate was clear: the partylist also supports LGBTQIA+ rights.
“We want safe spaces for all,” she said. “No one should live in fear because of who they are.”
She believes that uplifting one marginalized sector uplifts everyone. “These issues don’t exist in silos,” she said. “They intersect.”
Two Women, One Goal
Kate is joined by second nominee Ria C. Romualdo, a registered nurse from Camiguin and a long-time advocate for community health. With Ria’s healthcare background and Kate’s policy expertise, Kababaihan offers a full-spectrum approach to women’s issues—from grassroots outreach to national reform.
Not Just a Pretty Face
As we wrapped up our chat, Kate lingered a little longer to talk more casually with us and her other guests. Before leaving, I asked her what kind of women leader we need today and she offered one last thought—one that perfectly captures her mission:
“We need more women with strong political will—not just those who make promises to win votes, but those who can stand firm on the tough issues that really matter.”
And in that moment, it was clear—Kate Coseteng isn’t here to just play supporting roles. She’s here to lead, to fight, and to make sure that every woman’s voice is finally heard in the halls of power.
To learn more about Kababaihan Partylist, visit facebook.com/kababaihanpartylist
