Robredo seeks lifting of dress code during gov’t transactions

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo is pushing for the lifting of dress codes for ordinary Filipinos, especially those from the poor, in availing themselves of services and transacting in government offices.

Robredo, the administration’s vice presidential candidate for the 2016 elections, filed House Bill 6286 or the Open Door Policy Act, which seeks to prohibit government institutions from implementing strict dress codes that prevent ordinary citizens from accessing government services.

Other authors of the measure are Reps. Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands, Jorge Banal of Quezon City and Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao.

Robredo said the measure aims to give easier access to government frontline services for ordinary Filipinos, especially those who are from the marginalized sector, without worrying about what to wear.

“Strict dress codes are often unjust requirements that prevent ordinary Filipinos from seeing how government works for them and from being involved in development initiatives that ultimately benefit them,” she said.

Aside from barring strict dress codes in frontline service offices, Robredo said the bill aims to do the same for public meetings, including public hearings or sessions, conducted by any government office or agency, including legislative bodies.

“When they are denied entry to public offices because of what they are wearing, they are also denied the right to acquire services from the government and the right to observe or participate in meetings that tackle matters that affect their welfare,” Robredo said.

Anti-poverty czar

Meanwhile, Robredo said that in case she wins the vice presidential race next year, she would like to be given a Cabinet post that will implement various anti-poverty programs.

“Not a particular government portfolio but more of broadening and propagating anti- poverty programs that will result in the convergence of all departments,” Robredo said.

“That’s what we lack now – strengthening the convergence of the programs of the various departments,” she said.

She cited a program she implemented in her district that was patterned after the zero hunger program of Brazil.

Robredo said that her project went beyond simple feeding programs. It was implemented in such a way where food was purchased from small farmers, who in turn also benefited from the scheme.

“We believe that we can eradicate hunger if we also address poverty. There are so many opportunities for anti-poverty programs that if we focus on them, we can achieve inclusive growth faster,” she said.

Robredo said she was also in favor of continuing the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the government as this gives opportunity for the poorest to keep their children in school and maintain their health.