France Castro
Filipina educator, activist and politician
The Honorable France Castro | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2019 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for ACT Teachers | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2016 Serving with Antonio Tinio (2016–2019) | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Francisca Lustina Castro (1966-05-24) May 24, 1966 (age 58) Philippines |
| Political party | ACT Teachers (partylist) |
| Alma mater | Philippine Normal University (BSE) |
Francisca Lustina Castro (born May 24, 1966) is a Filipino educator, trade union activist, and politician who has served as a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines for the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).
Early life and education
Castro’s father was a driver and her mother was a housewife. Castro and her four siblings all graduated from public schools.[1]
Castro took BSE Math at the Philippine Normal University where she graduated cum laude. She had intended to become an accountant but her family could not afford to send her to a private school. In college, she was a member of the League of Filipino Students.[1] Castro is the former secretary general of the ACT.[2]
Political career
House of Representatives (2016–present)
Castro was first elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 2016, as a party-list representative for the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
In 2019, Castro co-authored an anti-endo bill that sought to give workers security of tenure by the ending the practice of labor contractualization.[3]
In 2020, Castro joined fellow lawmakers in protesting the passage of House Bill number 6875, which eventually became the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.[4]
In 2022, Castro was appointed as a deputy minority leader.[5]
2025 Philippine Senate campaign
On June 26, 2024, during commemorations for the 42nd anniversary of the ACT, Castro declared her candidacy for the 2025 Philippine Senate election.[6]
Political positions
Castro supported the franchise renewal for broadcast company ABS-CBN in 2020.[7]
Awards
In 2019, she was awarded the Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights for her work organizing teachers[8] and the Febe Velasquez Trade Union Rights Award for her work in defense of trade unions and human rights.[2]
References
- ^ a b Umil, Anne Marxze (2011-10-11). "France Castro: teacher, friend, activist". Bulatlat. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
- ^ a b "France Castro of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers: "President Duterte is scared of the words 'human rights'"". Equal Times. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
- ^ Cepeda, Mara (2019-08-05). "Despite Duterte veto, Makabayan bloc refiles anti-endo bill in House". Rappler. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
- ^ Cepeda, Mara (2020-06-03). "'Draconian' anti-terror bill, feared to be used vs gov't critics, hurdles Congress". Rappler. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
- ^ "House minority bloc officers bared; here they are". Manila Bulletin.
- ^ Balancio, Joyce (2024-06-26). "Rep. France Castro to run for Senate in 2025". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ Yap, D. J. (2020-01-28). "Makabayan bloc files bill seeking ABS-CBN franchise renewal". Inquirer. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
- ^ "France Castro of the Philippines set to receive Arthur Svensson Prize 2019". ITUC CSI IGB. 2019-04-29. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
