VP Duterte urges creation of LGBTQIA+ policy commission, backs key equality bills
Alfredo Tolentino
Vice President Sara Duterte called for the formation of a national LGBTQIA+ commission and expressed support for key legislative measures aimed at advancing equality and protecting the rights of the community in the Philippines.
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Photo Courtesy of GMA News. |
Duterte said the proposed commission would serve as the lead policymaking body addressing the needs of vulnerable sectors in the community, particularly the youth, who often face “rejection, school dropout, and homelessness,” and account for the highest percentage of HIV-affected patients.
“To ensure these policies are not just passed but effectively implemented, we advocate for the creation of a National LGBTQIA+ Commission,” Duterte said during the Pride Month celebration of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on June 25.
She also said that her office has been reviewing existing policies and legislative gaps to better support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Duterte voiced support for Senate Bill (SB) No. 2766 Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act, describing it as not only protecting a specific group but also about “upholding human dignity for all, as enshrined in global human rights covenants”, especially in terms of gender, identity, and expression.
“When we safeguard LGBT rights, we reinforce the foundations upon which all our freedoms rest. Let us build together a (country) where diversity is recognized (as) essential to our national character,” she expressed in a separate Pride Month message.
Duterte equally expressed support for SB No. 449 or the Civil Unions Act that would properly define legal relationships for same-sex couples and provide rights related to inheritance, adoption, property, and social security.
“I invite scholars to study the social and economic implications of the Civil Union(s) Act as we…address the unique circumstances of civil partners, moving beyond mere accommodation to genuine…inclusion,” she added.
Duterte likewise called for stronger implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, citing the need to address gender-based harassment, especially in the context of evolving technologies.
She further proposed the creation of LGBTQIA+ focal desks in law enforcement agencies, halfway homes, shelters for distressed individuals, and dedicated helplines offering psychosocial support.
Despite being open to several anti-discrimination policies, Duterte shrugged off questions about her stance on SB No. 1600 or the SOGIESC Equality Bill, a longstanding bill that seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, or sex characteristics.
Duterte reiterated that more extensive implementation and institutional support are needed to ensure long-term protection and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos.
Over the years, Duterte has made contradictory strides against the LGBTQIA+ community.
Duterte said her inclusive perspective toward the community was shaped in the 1980s, influenced by how her parents treated her gay uncle no differently from others.
In March 2022, Duterte admitted to being personally part of the LGBTQIA+ community, stating that, “[P]aanong hindi ko ba mamahalin ang LGBT, eh LGBT din ako?”
However, in November 2024, Duterte remarked “huwag kayong bakla” to the policemen who transported OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) for medical attention, which was something against her will.
LGBTQIA+ groups slammed this remark as derogatory and meant it to be demeaning to be gay or part of the community.
Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has also faced criticism in the past for using gay slurs against individuals he clashed with.