Robredo Demands Congress Pass Sexual Orientation Bill
Former Vice President and incoming Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has once again called on Congress to approve the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) bill. She emphasized that the legislation aims to protect everyone, not just the LGBTQIA+ community.
Robredo made this appeal in a video message shown during the Pride Month celebration, LOV3LABAN, held at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City last Saturday. She stressed that the passage of the SOGIESC bill is essential for safeguarding the rights and dignity of all Filipinos.
Expanding Acceptance Beyond Norms
“We still have a long way to go to honor the dignity of our fellow Filipinos from the LGBTQIA+ community,” Robredo said in Filipino. “We continue to push beyond the norm to expand spaces that embrace and accept everyone, regardless of their background or identity.” She further urged the enactment of the SOGIESC Equality Bill to guarantee protection against discrimination for all individuals.
Robredo also highlighted that Pride Month is a time to celebrate love and solidarity. It serves as a reminder for society to unite in fighting for justice and equal rights. “This is an opportunity to show our collective commitment to the fight centered on the rights that should unite us as a society,” she added.
Recognizing Bravery and Continuing the Fight
She honored the stories of resilience and courage within the LGBTQIA+ community. “We honor the stories of struggle and strength, of heartbreak and healing, of quiet resistance and persistent joy. We recognize that for many, simply being yourself is already an act of bravery. But our fight continues because one should never have to be brave just to exist. No one should live in fear because of who they are or who they love,” Robredo stressed.
In 2022, Senate Bill No. 139, known as the SOGIESC Equality Act and filed by a senator, passed the committee level but remains pending in the second reading. Advocates continue to push for its approval to ensure equal protection under the law.
Urgent Call to Address Rising HIV Cases
In the same video, Robredo urged the government to strengthen efforts to combat the rising HIV cases in the Philippines. “Amid the reported increase in HIV cases in the country, we join in the call to intensify our actions to address this public health concern,” she said.
International health organizations recently supported the Department of Health’s recommendation to declare HIV a public health emergency. The Philippines has recorded the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with new infections rising from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024—a staggering 550 percent increase.
Robredo’s message underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that protect vulnerable communities and promote health awareness nationwide.
For more news and updates on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics, visit Filipinokami.com.