Alfredo Tolentino

Former Vice President and Naga City mayor-elect Leni Robredo joined calls for equality and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community, reaffirming her support for the long-standing passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and pushing the government to act decisively on the rising cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).


In a video message played during the annual LOV3LABAN Pride Month celebration at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) on June 28, Robredo expressed solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and reiterated the urgent need for legislative protection against gender-based discrimination.

“We continue to call for the passage of the SOGIE(SC) Equality Bill to enact guaranteed protection against discrimination, not just for LGBT(QIA+) individuals but for everyone,” Robredo said.

The most recent version of the SOGIESC Equality Bill, or Senate Bill No. 1600, authored by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, and Mark Villar, passed the committee level in 2022, but has since stalled at the second reading.

Robredo also drew attention to the alarming rise in HIV cases in the country, calling on the government to step up its efforts in addressing the health issue.

“Sa gitna ng naiuulat na pagtaas ng kaso ng HIV sa bansa, nakikiisa tayo sa panawagan na paigtingin ang ating pagkilos upang matugunan ang public health concern na ito,” she added.

Her statement came amid reports from the Department of Health (DOH) and international health bodies that the Philippines now records the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to recent data from DOH, from 4,400 new cases in 2010, the number soared to 29,600 in 2024, an increase of over 550 percent.

DOH has since recommended declaring HIV a public health emergency, a move supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS).

Robredo further emphasized that Pride Month is more than colorful parades and vibrant gatherings, calling it a “reminder of love” and a chance to show collective resolve in the fight for human rights by striving to be examples of love and humanity every day.

“Patuloy ang ating pagtulak lagpas sa mga nakasanayan para palawakin ang mga espasyo na yumayakap at tumatanggap sa lahat. Magkapitbisig tayo para maiangat ang ating mga kapatid na LGBT(QIA+) para maabot nila ang mga oportunidad sa edukasyon, trabaho at mas malawak na lipunan,” she added.

She also honored the “stories of struggle and strength, of heartbreak and healing, of quiet resistance and persistent joy” within the community, recognizing that for many LGBTQIA+ Filipinos, simply living authentically remains an act of courage.

“[O]ur fight continues… because no one should have to be brave just to exist. No one should live in fear because of who they are or who they love,” she said.

Robredo ended her message with a reminder of compassion and commitment, “Para sa ating mga mahal sa LGBTQIA+ community, this month and every month, know that I stand with you as we fight for (a) more equal, just, and loving world.”

Over the years, Robredo remained constant with her stance as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community by supporting key legislative bills and initiatives toward a more inclusive environment for the community.