What is SOGIESC Equality Bill's fate in 19th Congress?
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What is SOGIESC Equality Bill's fate in 19th Congress?
Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community gather to attend the QC Pride Festival held at the Quezon Memorial Circle on June 25, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File
Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community gather to attend the QC Pride Festival held at the Quezon Memorial Circle on June 25, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA – With three days left before the 19th Congress adjourns session, supporters of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill will once again languish in the hallowed halls for now.
MANILA – With three days left before the 19th Congress adjourns session, supporters of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill will once again languish in the hallowed halls for now.
The fight that started nearly 25 years ago remains an uphill battle despite the entry of SOGIESC "champions" in the House of Representatives and Senate.
The fight that started nearly 25 years ago remains an uphill battle despite the entry of SOGIESC "champions" in the House of Representatives and Senate.
In the House, HB No. 10176 remains pending for plenary discussion. Over at the Senate, SBN 1600 was passed by the Committee on Women chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
In the House, HB No. 10176 remains pending for plenary discussion. Over at the Senate, SBN 1600 was passed by the Committee on Women chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, who has long been advocating for SOGIESC before entering Congress, believes there are forces 'actively blocking' the passage of the bill.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, who has long been advocating for SOGIESC before entering Congress, believes there are forces 'actively blocking' the passage of the bill.
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"Sa House na ipasa na natin siya sa Committee, pending siya for plenary discussion. Forever siya na pending for plenary discussion. Baka may mga forces at hand, kaya hindi pa siya finally pending for plenary discussion," he said in an online interview.
"Sa House na ipasa na natin siya sa Committee, pending siya for plenary discussion. Forever siya na pending for plenary discussion. Baka may mga forces at hand, kaya hindi pa siya finally pending for plenary discussion," he said in an online interview.
"Kung makarating tayo sa botohan sa plenaryo, kayang-kayang pumasa ng SOGIE Equality Bill because I'm sure that my colleagues in the 19th Congress are very supportive of policies against stigma and discrimination and supportive also of the people within our community," Cendaña added.
"Kung makarating tayo sa botohan sa plenaryo, kayang-kayang pumasa ng SOGIE Equality Bill because I'm sure that my colleagues in the 19th Congress are very supportive of policies against stigma and discrimination and supportive also of the people within our community," Cendaña added.
The lawmaker believes it's about time Congress takes a stand and pass the measure, after 'failing' the LGBTQIA+ community for over two decades.
The lawmaker believes it's about time Congress takes a stand and pass the measure, after 'failing' the LGBTQIA+ community for over two decades.
"Twenty-five years is a very long time for a very crucial and critical piece of legislation. Wala na dapat debate. Dapat automatic na nga eh, na pag meron kang gustong i-penalize sa stigma and discrimination, ang basis lang dapat ay human rights," he said.
"Twenty-five years is a very long time for a very crucial and critical piece of legislation. Wala na dapat debate. Dapat automatic na nga eh, na pag meron kang gustong i-penalize sa stigma and discrimination, ang basis lang dapat ay human rights," he said.
Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender woman to enter Congress and one of the authors of the measure in the House, expressed dismay since there has been no plenary discussion ever since she delivered a sponsorship speech in 2024.
Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender woman to enter Congress and one of the authors of the measure in the House, expressed dismay since there has been no plenary discussion ever since she delivered a sponsorship speech in 2024.
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"It's rather frustrating because I did not see any valid reason for it not to continue in the plenary, but I can only surmise that it is the result of politicking within the House. This is something to be expected. Both oppositors and supporters of any bill for that matter usually use their influence either to support or to impede the passage of the bill," she said.
"It's rather frustrating because I did not see any valid reason for it not to continue in the plenary, but I can only surmise that it is the result of politicking within the House. This is something to be expected. Both oppositors and supporters of any bill for that matter usually use their influence either to support or to impede the passage of the bill," she said.
But she admits that there is no more chance to pass the measure in the 19th Congress given the timeline.
But she admits that there is no more chance to pass the measure in the 19th Congress given the timeline.
"Wala na. Kasi technically, even if we discussed it today, there would have to be like three working days to put it to a vote for, after approving it. Even if we approved it here in the lower house, sa Senado naman, ano nangyari? So it is going to die a natural death in the 19th Congress," Roman said.
"Wala na. Kasi technically, even if we discussed it today, there would have to be like three working days to put it to a vote for, after approving it. Even if we approved it here in the lower house, sa Senado naman, ano nangyari? So it is going to die a natural death in the 19th Congress," Roman said.
"My conclusion is this, simply this. People want to discriminate against the LGBT community and want to get away with it. And the bad thing and the sad thing is that they want to do it in the name of religion," she added
"My conclusion is this, simply this. People want to discriminate against the LGBT community and want to get away with it. And the bad thing and the sad thing is that they want to do it in the name of religion," she added
Aside from politics, the lawmakers say misinformation is also a major challenge in passing the bill.
Aside from politics, the lawmakers say misinformation is also a major challenge in passing the bill.
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"Noon pa, nung simula pa sinasabi nila that SOGIE Equality Bill will lead to or is a same-sex marriage legislation. Linawin natin yun, walang bahagi ng SOGIE Equality Bill na ina-amend ang family code to allow marriage equality. So yung mga nagsasabi niyan, they are spreading fake news," Cendaña said.
"Noon pa, nung simula pa sinasabi nila that SOGIE Equality Bill will lead to or is a same-sex marriage legislation. Linawin natin yun, walang bahagi ng SOGIE Equality Bill na ina-amend ang family code to allow marriage equality. So yung mga nagsasabi niyan, they are spreading fake news," Cendaña said.
"The SOGIE Equality Bill is not about giving members of the community the LGBTQIA community special rights. It's about giving, granting, upholding the basic fundamental human rights of LGBTQIA people na madalas pinagkakait dahil sila ay LGBTQIA," he added.
"The SOGIE Equality Bill is not about giving members of the community the LGBTQIA community special rights. It's about giving, granting, upholding the basic fundamental human rights of LGBTQIA people na madalas pinagkakait dahil sila ay LGBTQIA," he added.
"There is no provision that will allow marriage between two people of the same sex. It is not a gender recognition bill that will allow you to legally change your gender markers. What it is simply is the right to work, to study, to receive services from the government, and to access and use public accommodations and facilities and establishments without discrimination based on your sexual orientation and gender identity and expression," Roman added.
"There is no provision that will allow marriage between two people of the same sex. It is not a gender recognition bill that will allow you to legally change your gender markers. What it is simply is the right to work, to study, to receive services from the government, and to access and use public accommodations and facilities and establishments without discrimination based on your sexual orientation and gender identity and expression," Roman added.
PROGRESS, VISIBILITY
Members of the LGBTQ and their allies attend "Love 2 Laban" Pride PH Festival in Quezon City on June 22, 2024. Alec Corpuz, ABS-CBN News/FileBahaghari Chairperson Reyna Valmores Salinas lauds how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come, which is evident in Pride Month.
Members of the LGBTQ and their allies attend "Love 2 Laban" Pride PH Festival in Quezon City on June 22, 2024. Alec Corpuz, ABS-CBN News/FileBahaghari Chairperson Reyna Valmores Salinas lauds how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come, which is evident in Pride Month. "Kung pagbabago, ang nakita ko po ay visibility. So, seven years in the past compared to now, sobrang mas lihim ang usapan ng LGBT. 'Yung salitang transgender, hindi pa siya ganoon kakilala, especially more than 10 years ago compared to now. So, there's greater visibility even in the upcoming pride events, 'di ba, na palaking palaki every year, which also goes to show the public support for the LGBT community," she said.
"Kung pagbabago, ang nakita ko po ay visibility. So, seven years in the past compared to now, sobrang mas lihim ang usapan ng LGBT. 'Yung salitang transgender, hindi pa siya ganoon kakilala, especially more than 10 years ago compared to now. So, there's greater visibility even in the upcoming pride events, 'di ba, na palaking palaki every year, which also goes to show the public support for the LGBT community," she said.
But Salinas acknowledged that members of the community, including someone as outspoken as her, continues to experience discrimination in school, the workplace and even in social services.
But Salinas acknowledged that members of the community, including someone as outspoken as her, continues to experience discrimination in school, the workplace and even in social services.
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"More than a celebration, more than a time para magdiwang ang LGBT community, I think it has to be a time for us to demonstrate na meron tayong political presence. So, paglabas natin sa Pride, it should be a political statement for the passage of laws in favor of gender equality, including the SOGIESC equality bill," she said.
"More than a celebration, more than a time para magdiwang ang LGBT community, I think it has to be a time for us to demonstrate na meron tayong political presence. So, paglabas natin sa Pride, it should be a political statement for the passage of laws in favor of gender equality, including the SOGIESC equality bill," she said.
As the 19th Congress resumed last June 2, both the Senate and House leadership were silent on the SOGIESC Equality Bill.
As the 19th Congress resumed last June 2, both the Senate and House leadership were silent on the SOGIESC Equality Bill.
Cendaña, who was given a fresh three-year term with Akbayan Party-list, vows to continue the fight in the 20th Congress.
Cendaña, who was given a fresh three-year term with Akbayan Party-list, vows to continue the fight in the 20th Congress.
"Kung hindi tayo magtagumpay ngayon ng 19th Congress, ready ng ready tayo to refile and mobilize again for the 20th Congress. Dala-dala natin yung mandato na yan pagpasok natin ng 20th Congress with champions like Chel Diokno, Dada Kiram Ismulah, Kaka Bagao. We hope that we have a better stronger chance of passing the soldier equality bill. Huwag na nating paabutin ng 26 or 27 or 28 years bago maging batas. It has [been] long overdue," he said.
"Kung hindi tayo magtagumpay ngayon ng 19th Congress, ready ng ready tayo to refile and mobilize again for the 20th Congress. Dala-dala natin yung mandato na yan pagpasok natin ng 20th Congress with champions like Chel Diokno, Dada Kiram Ismulah, Kaka Bagao. We hope that we have a better stronger chance of passing the soldier equality bill. Huwag na nating paabutin ng 26 or 27 or 28 years bago maging batas. It has [been] long overdue," he said.
As for Roman, who is exiting the lower House due to term-limit, she is hopeful that incoming lawmakers like Cendaña and Dinagat Island Rep. Kaka Bag-ao will press for the passage of the measure.
As for Roman, who is exiting the lower House due to term-limit, she is hopeful that incoming lawmakers like Cendaña and Dinagat Island Rep. Kaka Bag-ao will press for the passage of the measure.
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"The fight goes on. And we have younger congressmen and congresswomen. You know, there is a generational factor to it. Sometimes, the openness of one's mind is a direct function of one's age. So, ako mas naniniwala, yung mas nakakabatang mga kongresista ay mas bukas ang kanilang pananaw. And they are very supportive of the SOGIE Equality Bill," she said.
"The fight goes on. And we have younger congressmen and congresswomen. You know, there is a generational factor to it. Sometimes, the openness of one's mind is a direct function of one's age. So, ako mas naniniwala, yung mas nakakabatang mga kongresista ay mas bukas ang kanilang pananaw. And they are very supportive of the SOGIE Equality Bill," she said.
"My legacy would be the mere fact that a transgender woman was able to enter the halls of Congress and effectively defend the SOGIE Equality Bill among many other bills that involve other marginalized sectors," she said.
"My legacy would be the mere fact that a transgender woman was able to enter the halls of Congress and effectively defend the SOGIE Equality Bill among many other bills that involve other marginalized sectors," she said.
"The past nine years since I first sat here in Congress, I have observed that even at the barangay level, many more members of the community have been encouraged to join the world of public service. They are out there to show that, hey, we also can contribute to nation building. We have a voice. We are just as effective. And it has nothing to do with our sexual orientation and gender identity and expression," the lawmaker added.
"The past nine years since I first sat here in Congress, I have observed that even at the barangay level, many more members of the community have been encouraged to join the world of public service. They are out there to show that, hey, we also can contribute to nation building. We have a voice. We are just as effective. And it has nothing to do with our sexual orientation and gender identity and expression," the lawmaker added.
She encouraged other local government units to also craft and pass anti-discrimination ordinances to show Congress that it can be done.
She encouraged other local government units to also craft and pass anti-discrimination ordinances to show Congress that it can be done.
Roman also has a message for her fellow members in the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month.
Roman also has a message for her fellow members in the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month.
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"Please do not be discouraged na hindi nakapasa ang SOGIE Equality Bill. Nananawagan ako sa ating mga partners sa mga sangguniang panlaalawigan, sa mga sangguniang bayan at sangguniang panglungsod. Magsulong po kayo ng mga anti-discrimination ordinances. Ipakita po sa Kongreso na kung kaya natin sa LGU level, ay dapat din natin kayanin sa national level. Kaya lavarn pa rin tayo, tuloy ang ating fight for equality," she said.
"Please do not be discouraged na hindi nakapasa ang SOGIE Equality Bill. Nananawagan ako sa ating mga partners sa mga sangguniang panlaalawigan, sa mga sangguniang bayan at sangguniang panglungsod. Magsulong po kayo ng mga anti-discrimination ordinances. Ipakita po sa Kongreso na kung kaya natin sa LGU level, ay dapat din natin kayanin sa national level. Kaya lavarn pa rin tayo, tuloy ang ating fight for equality," she said.
PRIDE MONTH
Members of the LGBTQ and their allies attend "Love 2 Laban" Pride PH Festival in Quezon City on June 22, 2024. Alec Corpuz, ABS-CBN News/File
Members of the LGBTQ and their allies attend "Love 2 Laban" Pride PH Festival in Quezon City on June 22, 2024. Alec Corpuz, ABS-CBN News/FileSenator Hontiveros also hopes the next Congress will be the time the measure will final hurdle both chambers.
Senator Hontiveros also hopes the next Congress will be the time the measure will final hurdle both chambers.
"I really hope na the 20th Congress will finally be magiging 10th Congress na yata yan na i-re-refile ang SOGIESC Equality bill will finally be the Congress to pass the SOGIESC equality bill into law," she said.
"I really hope na the 20th Congress will finally be magiging 10th Congress na yata yan na i-re-refile ang SOGIESC Equality bill will finally be the Congress to pass the SOGIESC equality bill into law," she said.
As for Salinas, she said they will continue to use their voice and Pride Month celebration to push Congress to pass the measure.
As for Salinas, she said they will continue to use their voice and Pride Month celebration to push Congress to pass the measure.
"We're also looking forward na sa magiging laban natin sa upcoming 20th Congress. Uphill battle pa rin po talaga ito. Both in the time ngayon up until sa pagbubukas ng 20th Congress. My hope is that this pride serves towards the campaign for the passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill," she said.
"We're also looking forward na sa magiging laban natin sa upcoming 20th Congress. Uphill battle pa rin po talaga ito. Both in the time ngayon up until sa pagbubukas ng 20th Congress. My hope is that this pride serves towards the campaign for the passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill," she said.
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"I think mahalaga na meron tayong mga kampiyon sa loob. Uphill battle ito regardless kung dumami tayo o hindi. Kailangan natin ng numbers outside Congress, outside the Senate. So kailangan natin ng sa madaling salita, public clamor para ma-pressure ang ating mga mambabatas na maipasa ito," Salinas said.
"I think mahalaga na meron tayong mga kampiyon sa loob. Uphill battle ito regardless kung dumami tayo o hindi. Kailangan natin ng numbers outside Congress, outside the Senate. So kailangan natin ng sa madaling salita, public clamor para ma-pressure ang ating mga mambabatas na maipasa ito," Salinas said.
Cendaña acknowledged the changes in the treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community, but it's still a long journey ahead.
Cendaña acknowledged the changes in the treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community, but it's still a long journey ahead.
"Malayo pa tayo doon sa ating pinagtatrabuhan at pangarap na tanggapin ng lipunan na tayong lahat ay may pantay na karapatan. So, madalas ko sinasabi, malayo pa tayo sa acceptance, na doon pa lang tayo sa tolerance," he said.
"Malayo pa tayo doon sa ating pinagtatrabuhan at pangarap na tanggapin ng lipunan na tayong lahat ay may pantay na karapatan. So, madalas ko sinasabi, malayo pa tayo sa acceptance, na doon pa lang tayo sa tolerance," he said.
"And let us remember, we only tolerate things that we do not like. Acceptance is the recognition that we have equal rights. Acceptance is the recognition na no one deserves to be discriminated and to experience stigma. And one way nga of this acceptance is yung pagpasa ng bill," the lawmaker added.
"And let us remember, we only tolerate things that we do not like. Acceptance is the recognition that we have equal rights. Acceptance is the recognition na no one deserves to be discriminated and to experience stigma. And one way nga of this acceptance is yung pagpasa ng bill," the lawmaker added.
As the country celebrates Pride Month, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged incoming lawmakers to finally pass two bills that protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
As the country celebrates Pride Month, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged incoming lawmakers to finally pass two bills that protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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"Pride is a resounding call for the urgent passage of key policies, including the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill (CADB)," the CHR said in a statement.
"Pride is a resounding call for the urgent passage of key policies, including the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill (CADB)," the CHR said in a statement.
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