Speaker Jose de Venecia and all other male officials of the House of Representatives will be sidelined as ordinary members when the "gentle ladies" take over the leadership of the chamber today.

De Venecia is expected to watch from the floor as Nueva Ecija Rep. Josephine Joson assumes the Speaker’s post and presides over today’s session.

The change of roles between congressmen and congresswomen has become an annual activity in the Lower House as part of the observance of National Women’s Month.

Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, president of the Association of Lady Legislators, launched this activity during the 12th session of Congress.

Villar, the former president of the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc., said that her group has lined up activities in observance of women’s month.

Villar said the overall theme of this year’s observance centers on the juvenile justice system and the elimination of discrimination on women.

The main activity will be the female legislators’ "takeover" of all chores in the Lower House, including the delivery of privileged speeches by an allwomen group.

Joson, chairperson of the committee on women, will be presiding over the session for the second time since the 12th Congress. Assisting her as floor leaders are Cebu Rep. Clavel Martinez for the majority, and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos for the minority.

Martinez will alternate for Majority Leader Prospero Nograles while Marcos will fill in for Minority Leader Francis Escudero.

Early in the morning, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay will serve as the speaker in the House flag ceremony.

During the scheduled session, several lady lawmakers are expected to deliver privileged speeches on women and family concerns.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Faysah RPM Dumarpa, chairperson of the House Committee on Social Welfare, said she will talk on the role of Muslim women in national development.

Also expected to deliver speeches are Reps. Nanette Castelo Daza (Lakas, Quezon City); Darlene Custodio-Antonino (NPC, South Cotabato); Lala Talino Santos (NP, North Cotabato) and Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

Organizers said the list of speakers remained tentative as of last night.

Bills and resolutions concerning the welfare of women and minors will likewise be discussed on the floor.

Other scheduled activities include a medical and dental mission, forum on anti-violence against women, and a dance presentation on the four faces of women.