LGBT group accepts Pacquiao's apology, but...

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group Ladlad has forgiven Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for comparing gays to animals, but said it would never forget such disparaging remarks.

In an interview Wednesday, Ladlad chairman Danton Remoto noted that it was the second time Pacquiao, a senatorial candidate in the May elections, issued a public statement offensive to the LGBT community.

"Sa akin naman ay tatanggapin ko 'yan pero hindi namin kalilimutan na pangalawang beses na niya itong ginawa," Remoto told GMA News Online at the sidelines of Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City.

He said the first incident happened two years ago.

"Noong 2014 meron din siyang diumano [quoted] na biblical passage na laban din sa LGBT," Remoto said, as he hopedthat there will no longer be a third time.

"Siguro huwag na niyang gawing pangatlo kasi hindi naman maganda 'yun," Remoto said.

Pacquiao apologized Tuesday for saying that homosexuals are worse than animals after his statement caused a social media firestorm from celebrities, LGBT groups and their supporters.

Remoto said they respect Pacquiao's view on gays, adding it was his words that infuriated them.

"Hindi ko sinasabing mali 'yung stand niya kasi Born Again siya. May karapatan siya sa kanyang opinyon. Ang hindi lang namin gusto 'yung salitang sinabi niya na masahol pa sa hayop, ipinapakita dun yung pagkamuhi niya sa LGBT," he said

He also noted that, contrary to Pacquiao's claim that there are no homosexual animals, 1,500 species of animals are homosexual such as giraffe, penguin, and albatross.

"Hindi ba siya nanonood ng National Geographic?" Remoto said of Pacquiao.

Remoto urged Pacquiao's staff to work doubly hard to educate him.

Asked if he thinks the incident would affect Pacquiao’s senatorial bid, Remoto said there is no proof yet that the LGBT community can influence elections.

"Sa totoo lang, wala pa naman talaga kaming naipakitang LGBT vote kaya lang 'yung nangyari dito hindi lang naman LGBT ang nagalit, pati yung mga straight people [ay] nagalit," he said. —KBK, GMA News