Pilar Juliana Schramm Cayetano, born March 22, 1966), commonly known as Pia Cayetano, is a Filipina politician, lawyer, economist, athlete, and television host. She has served multiple terms as a Senator of the Philippines and previously represented the 2nd district of Taguig in the House of Representatives. Over the years, she has championed legislation on health, education, women’s rights, children, seniors’ welfare, sports, energy, and the environment.
Early Life and Education
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, Cayetano is the daughter of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and Sandra Schramm. She graduated cum laude with an economics degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1985 and later earned her law degree from the UP College of Law in 1991. During her university years, she played volleyball for the UP Lady Maroons, contributing to the team’s 1983 UAAP championship victory. She also represented the Philippines as a member of the national women’s volleyball team.
Public Office Positions
Senator of the Philippines (2004–2016, 2019–present)
Cayetano entered the Senate in 2004 following the passing of her father, Senator Rene Cayetano. Initially a political newcomer, she gained public recognition through advertisements showcasing her as an athlete and lawyer. She won the election, securing the sixth position among the winning candidates. She was reelected in 2010, again placing sixth, and served until 2016. In 2019, she made a successful Senate comeback, placing fourth in the elections.
As a senator, she has chaired multiple committees, including the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, becoming its first female chair in 2024. She has also played a significant role in legislative inquiries, including investigations into the war on drugs in 2024.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (2016–2019)
After her second Senate term ended, Cayetano successfully ran as Representative of Taguig City’s 2nd District in the 2016 elections. During her term, she was appointed one of the twelve Deputy Speakers of the 17th Congress. She worked on legislation addressing public health, education, and economic policies during her time in the House.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Leadership
Cayetano gained international recognition for her leadership within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). She was elected President of the 10th Meeting of Women Parliamentarians during the 112th IPU Assembly in Manila and later became President of the IPU Committee of Women Parliamentarians in 2008. She was the first Filipino and Asian to hold this position, serving a two-year term.
Legislative Work and Advocacy
Cayetano has been instrumental in passing landmark laws, including:
- Expanded Senior Citizens Act – Providing VAT exemptions on medicines and vital services for seniors.
- Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act – Mandating lactation stations in workplaces.
- Magna Carta of Women – Strengthening gender equality.
- Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Law – Enhancing drug safety regulations.
- Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law – Lowering medicine prices.
- Foster Care Act – Strengthening child protection measures.
- Reproductive Health Act – Expanding family planning services.
- Sin Tax Reform Act – Funding healthcare programs through increased tobacco and alcohol taxation.
- Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) Law – Regulating offshore gaming operations.
- Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act – Developing the country’s natural gas industry.
Personal Life and Interests
Cayetano is an advocate for fitness and an accomplished athlete. She is a triathlete, runner, and cyclist, actively participating in endurance events. She continues to engage in public service through advocacy programs and as a co-host of the GMA public service show Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda.
Family and Political Affiliations
She is part of a prominent political family based in Taguig:
- Father: The late Senator Rene Cayetano
- Brother: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (former House Speaker)
- Brother: Lino Cayetano (former Taguig mayor)
- Brother: Rene Carl Cayetano (former Muntinlupa councilor)
- Sister-in-law: Lani Cayetano (current mayor of Taguig)
She has three children: Gabriel Cayetano, Nadine Sebastian, and Maxine Sebastian.
Awards and Recognitions
- Rizal Women of Malolos Award – Recognized for her contributions to women’s empowerment.
- First Filipino and Asian President of the IPU Committee of Women Parliamentarians.
Cayetano remains an influential figure in Philippine politics, dedicated to policies that impact public health, education, gender equality, and economic development.
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