Akbayan Demands Action on Sexual Orientation Equality Bill
MANILA, Philippines — The Akbayan Party-list has boldly urged lawmakers opposing the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) bill to “come out of your closets.” They believe this would reveal which members of Congress support equality and which favor discrimination.
Representative Perci Cendaña, an original drafter of the SOGIESC bill, warned the so-called “anti-equality lawmakers” to stop obstructing the bill’s progress in Congress. “Don’t let the ‘agents of hate’ block the SOGIESC Equality Bill. Let’s put it to a vote to see who stands for discrimination and who stands for equality. For the pro-discrimination legislators, it’s time to come out of your closets,” he said in Filipino during a Saturday statement.
He stressed that something as fundamental as the SOGIESC Equality Bill should not have been stalled for 25 years in Congress. “It’s the bare minimum. Let the 20th Congress be the one that champions the most basic human rights,” Cendaña added.
Legislative Progress and Persistent Delays
In 2022, Senate Bill No. 139—known as the SOGIESC Equality Act—was filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. The bill passed committee level but remains stuck at second reading to date. Advocates continue to push for its swift approval.
Akbayan’s Commitment to Equality
Incoming Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno emphasized their party-list’s dedication to advancing equal rights regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or social status. “We will keep pushing for inclusive laws that provide the Filipino queer community with solid legal protection and promote their welfare,” Diokno said.
He added, “Every Filipino deserves equal protection under the law, and we will work tirelessly to make that a reality.”
Diokno, Cendaña, and third nominee Dadah Kiram Ismula attended the Pride Month event, LOV3LABAN, at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Saturday.
Growing Pride and Stronger Congressional Support
“As Pride celebrations in the country become more vibrant, our presence in Congress grows stronger,” Cendaña said. “LGBTQIA+ advocates and allies must wave the flag of our struggle even higher.”
Akbayan secured three seats in the 20th Congress after topping the party-list race in the recent 2025 midterm elections, local leaders noted.
For more news and updates on Sexual Orientation Equality Bill, visit Filipinokami.com.