Liza Lagorza Maza (born September 8, 1957[1]) is a Filipina politician and activist who was the lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission under the Duterte administration from August 2016 until her resignation in August 2018.[2][3] She was a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, representing the Gabriela Women's Party.

Liza Maza
Maza in August 2024
Lead Convenor of National Anti-Poverty Commission
In office
August 1, 2016 – August 20, 2018
PresidentRodrigo Duterte
Preceded byJose Eliseo Rocamora
Succeeded byNoel Felongco
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Gabriela
In office
June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2010
Serving with Luzviminda Ilagan
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Bayan Muna
In office
June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004
Personal details
Born
Liza Lagorza

(1957-09-08) September 8, 1957 (age 67)[1]
San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines
Political partyGabriela (2004–present)
Other political
affiliations
Bayan Muna (2001–2004)
Makabayan (2009–present)
SpouseJaime Maza (deceased)
ResidenceQuezon City
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines Diliman

Biography

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Maza got her Bachelor of Science in Business Economics degree from University of the Philippines Diliman in 1978.[4]

Maza has authored 18 bills and 24 resolutions as a Bayan Muna representative to the 12th Congress. As a representative of Gabriela Women's Party, she has authored 53 bills and 120 resolutions at the 13th and 14th Congress. The bills she authored that were passed as laws include the Rent Control Act of 2009 (RA 9653), The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (RA 9344), Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), Philippine Nursing Act (RA 9173), Anti-Torture Law (RA 9745) and the Anti-Violence in Women and Children Act (RA 9262), which she co-authored.[1] She also authored Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.[4]

On July 8, 2015, U.S. immigration authorities barred her from entering the U.S. to participate in a left-wing conference on U.S. activities in the Philippines. She has accused the U.S. of supporting human rights violations in the Philippines. She plans to file charges against the U.S. and Korean Airlines, the airline that she was supposed to have taken.[5][6]

In 2024, she announced her intention to run for the senate in the 2025 elections.[7] On December 4, 2024, Maza and 74 others filed the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing betrayal of public trust for her office's alleged misuse of confidential funds.[8][9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Liza 'Liza Maza ng Gabriela' Lagorza Maza". ABS-CBN News. May 5, 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2015.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Duterte appoints experts to DICT, MECO, NAPC". Presidential Communications Operations Office. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  3. ^ Musico, Jelly (August 20, 2018). "Palace on Maza resignation: 'We wish her the best'". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Makabayan's Liza Maza is new anti-poverty chief". Rappler. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  5. ^ "United States government bars woman leader". Bulatlat. July 18, 2015. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  6. ^ "Women's Group Hits Government for Barring ex-Lawmaker from Leaving the Philippines". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 15, 2015. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  7. ^ Villaruel, Jauhn Etienne (August 15, 2024). "Liza Maza announces senatorial bid, joins Makabayan slate". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  8. ^ Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (December 4, 2024). "VP Sara Duterte faces 2nd impeachment rap". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Manila, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  9. ^ De Leon, Dwight (December 4, 2024). "Sara Duterte slapped with second impeachment complaint". Rappler. Manila, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
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