In carrying out the government’s primary obligation to value the inherent dignity of every Filipino and to provide equal protection of laws to all, upholding the right to equality and non-discrimination must be its rudimentary principles. Such is what the 1987 Philippine Constitution prescribes and other international human rights covenants, to which the Philippines is a State party, demands.
To unequivocally fulfill these duties, it is crucial to recognise and understand the disproportionate violence and discrimination faced by lesbians, gays bisexuals, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community across different sectors, in different settings, in their everyday lives.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) underscores that sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression or SOGIE is inherent in every person’s individuality. Asserting one’s diverse SOGIE is never cause nor reason for intolerance or injustice. As the country’s Gender Ombud, CHR has consistently welcomed the State’s provision of equal protection through its laws and policies such as Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.
We thus laud the 19 senators who signed the report of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality and recommended the passage of the SOGIE Equality bill. This marked progress since the 18th Congress—where only eight senators signed the committee report—demonstrates a clear commitment to address the plight of the LGBTQI community in the country.
CHR hopes that the House of Representatives will convey the same. We reiterate that the SOGIE Equality Bill does not ascribe greater preference nor better rights to the LGBTQI, but is merely for the protection of equal dignity and rights of all citizens regardless of diverse SOGIE. Passage of the bill also legitimises the State’s efforts to adhere to the Yogyakarta Principles. While the Commission notes advancements made through equality and anti-discrimination ordinances in cities and municipalities, a national legislation shall provide legal aegis to LGBTQI individuals who continue to be deprived of opportunities and basic services because of misconceptions or prejudiced judgment.
In line with our mandate as the national independent human rights institution, CHR remains open and willing to have dialogue with the government regarding the provisions of the SOGIE Equality Bill and similar proposals, as well as the concerns of the members of the LGBTQIA community. We ask for an equally open mind from our policymakers in our shared goal to guarantee that every Filipino is free from threats and harm, and ensuring that all citizens enjoy their fundamental freedoms. ###