Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 30) — A proposed advisory body or commission on LGBTQIA+ affairs under the Office of the President is likely to be approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a palace statement released on Friday quoted First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos as saying.
\”Knowing my husband, I’m sure he will grant the wish because he knows that you all campaigned for him and he wouldn’t be there without you guys,\” the first lady told LGBT Pilipinas during a meeting Thursday with the president in Malacañang.
\”So, thank you very much. I think it’s our way of giving back to those who helped him in the election,\” she added.
LGBT Pilipinas, a national alliance of queer organizations, networks, and allied groups, made the proposal to push for \”more visibility and representation in the bureaucracy,\” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
The PCO said during the meeting, President Marcos assured the LGBTQIA+ community that the government will protect its members against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE).
\”We in the Philippines ay ang habol lang naman talaga natin [what we want] is that everybody is treated not for any other thing, not for race, not for creed, not for orientation, but just as Filipinos,\” the chief executive told LGBT Pilipinas.
He said that is what the government is trying to do, and that the first lady is even better briefed on the legal issues that impact the community.
Marcos said he believes that \”as long as everyone stays true to the idea of recognizing fellow Filipinos, everyone will be treated fairly and without discrimination,\” adding Filipinos are \”more open-minded compared to other countries.\”
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On June 24, when many events were held to celebrate the Pride Month during that weekend, Marcos urged Filipinos to continue supporting, respecting, and recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community and its importance to society.
The president, however, has not spoken about his position on the SOGIESC Equality Bill, which has been languishing in Congress for two decades.
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In the House of Representatives, the bill has already gotten a panel nod.
In the Senate, it was remanded to the committee on rules headed by Sen. Joel Villanueva. He is the son of CIBAC Rep. Eddie Villanueva, the founder of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide.
