Quezon City, Philippines - Martina Bonoan discussed the purported domestic violence that her mother, Ina Bonoan, endured from her father, Noel Bonoan who is a former Finance undersecretary and Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Philippines and was elected president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) last year (2024) but withdrew after the said allegations of domestic abuse surfaced.
"While I understand that this may be difficult to hear, especially for those close to him, it is important to remind ourselves that abuse is not at all a private matter. Calling the events of the abuse "private" only serves to dim the light that survivors work so hard to ignite." Martina Bonoan said. "I would also like to address all victim-survivors affected by VAWC, never forget that your pain is real, it is not your fault. Stand tall and speak out."
This also serves as a calling for those who shared the same struggles of experiencing violence and abuse not only in their respective homes but also in the corporate scenario.
According to Former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo who joined the panel at the Zero VAWC Alliance’s forum on ending domestic violence, "There must be ZERO case against women and children, not lower or fewer but zero."
Artist and activist Mae Paner said that the call to stop violence starts with all of us, if we can do our share to help those who are lost and are in dire need of help, let us guide them to the people who can give them proper guidance and security.
The Zero VAWC Alliance is a network of advocates committed to ending violence against women and children (VAWC).
It comprises trailblazing women who have shaped the feminist movement in the Philippines since the 1980s, including a former Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a former Senator and Congresswoman known for championing gender equality, as well as founders and incumbent officers of Gabriela, the country's pioneering women's organization and more.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that 25% of Filipino women between the ages of 15 and 49 have encountered domestic violence. However, a significant number of these incidents remain unreported, primarily due to fear, societal stigma, and insufficient institutional support.
The Zero VAWC Alliance seeks to dismantle the corporate culture of silence by advocating for more robust policies, enhanced protections for survivors, and greater accountability among leadership.
Ending violence against women and children is both a moral and imperative and an economic necessity. The financial burden is highest during economic downturns, slowing recovery if left unaddressed.
Governments and businesses must take proactive measures, including strengthening legal protections, implementing workplace policies that support survivors and promoting women's workforce participation through education and financial empowerment.
The Zero VAWC Alliance also shared a policy framework on ending the corporate culture of silence on domestic violence. Any one who is experiencing any kind of violence or abuse must report it to the nearest NGO near you specifcially GABRIELLA or The Zero VAWC Alliance who can help your address your concerns.
This was all tackled in The ZERO VAWC Alliance forum “End the Corporate Culture of Silence on Domestic Violence” at the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies.
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