Dennis Gaviola

UP forum, screenshot from PANTAY's Facebook Live

Article (news)

Victoria Tulad

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – Issues about women’s rights, the youth and LGBTQI+ community took center stage in the “Harapan sa Diliman: a Senatorial Forum on the Equality Agenda” held Thursday in the University of the Philippines. Eight senatorial aspirants attended, namely Roy Cabonegro, Attorney Arnel Escobal, Attorney Ernesto Arellano, Jose Olivar, Attorney Angelo De Alban, Norman Marquez, Attorney Sonny Matula, and Leody De Guzman.  One controversial issue some candidates discussed was whether the legislation of the civil union of LGBTQI+ couples should be prioritized.  LGBTQI+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other sexual and gender identities.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/1/22/lgbtq-rights-where-does-southeast-asia-stand-1923">LGBTQ+ rights: Where does Southeast Asia stand?</a></div>According to Olivar, “Di ako against doon sa pagsasama nila kung magsasama lang pero kung isabatas natin, pagsamahin natin, ipakasal natin yung dalawang kaparehas na kasarian mukhang nilabag na natin &#x27;yung panuntunin ng Panginoon.”Arellano’s opinion was the exact opposite.“Ang aking Panginoon ay mapagmahal,” Arellano said. “Dapat create an environment for the development of people with this inclination…Huwag ka nang marahas sa mga nag-iibigan.”   Divorce was also brought up, specifically, on how a candidate will facilitate the divorce bill if he is elected.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/11/philippine-divorce-activists-vow-to-fight-on-1217">Philippine divorce activists vow to fight on</a></div>For Matula, “Sa kasalukuyan mayroon tayong legal separation, mayroon tayong annulment, mayroon tayong declaration of normity na pareho naman ang epekto kung &#x27;yun ang ating gagamitin at atin lamang i-liberalize ang proseso.”Some candidates laid out their policies on addressing bullying and discrimination against LGBTQI+ members in schools and work.“Dapat magkaroon ng isang batas na magpaparusa doon sa mga bully, doon sa mga LGBTQ. Dapat kung yan ay, karamihan alam ko mga propesor yan, dapat ay alisan ng lisensya sa pagtuturo para huwag pamarisan,” De Guzman said. “Kailangan po nating palawakin ang coverage ng Magna Carta of Women para na rin po ma-ensure natin ang gender and development sa work force or employment,” De Alban answered. Two aspirants, meanwhile, were asked regarding their plans to strengthen protection against gender-based violence in rural and marginalized areas.“Palakasin yung ating justice system at ito po ang magsisilbing proteksyon para sa ating mga mamamayan katulad ng mga marginalized sektor na nabanggit natin dito,” Marquez stated. “Kailangan natin na i-expand ang VAWC, ang Violence Against Women and Children Act,” Escobal said. “Para isama natin yung mga male partners at saka po dagdagan natin ang pondo ng ating mga barangay.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/10/23/20/gender-based-violence-affecting-25-million-women-in-ph-usaid-official-says">Gender-based violence affecting 2.5 million women in PH, USAID official says</a></div>Another topic was how services regarding HIV/AIDS can be continued given the changing landscape of development aid.“Ang problema sa HIV/AIDS na aid ay pareho lang sa aid sa ating environmental program. Nakadepende ang malaking bahagi sa aid. Yun ang pinakaproblema. Kasi dapat to, may kakayanan tayo na mismong pondohan,” Cabonegro said.The youth group Pantay organized the forum. It said it was their way of protecting the rights of women and minority groups this election season.“We wanted to focus on specific issues and also are expecting other civil society groups to do the same kasi kailangan nating ipakita na these sectoral blocs are not only partners for change, but also people that would seek accountability from our government,” Vince Liban, Pantay’s National Convenor, said.The forum was held in partnership with various organizations including ABS-CBN.

Issues about women’s rights, the youth and LGBTQI+ community took center stage in the “Harapan sa Diliman: a Senatorial Forum on the Equality Agenda” held Thursday in the University of the Philippines.

Issues about women’s rights, the youth and LGBTQI+ community took center stage in the “Harapan sa Diliman: a Senatorial Forum on the Equality Agenda” held Thursday in the University of the Philippines.

Senatorial candidates speak on same-sex marriage, divorce in equality forum

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Senatorial candidates speak on same-sex marriage, divorce in equality forum

Victoria Tulad,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 20, 2025 10:02 PM PHT

Read More:

ABSnews

ANC Promo

Halalan 2025

2025 Elections

Debate

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.