After Duterte’s remarks, Koko says let debate on same-sex marriage begin

President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark that he was in favor of same-sex marriage would start the debate on whether there is a need to amend existing laws, Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.

"The President’s pronouncements will surely start the national debate about the concept…Let the discussion on the subject begin,” Pimentel said in a text message.

During the 7th Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender (LGBT) gathering in Davao City, Duterte said he saw no problem in same-sex marriage.

"Ako gusto ko same-sex marriage, ang problema, we'll have to change the law. Ang batas kasi marriage is a union between a man and a woman. I don't have a problem making it... marrying a man, marrying a woman or whatever is the predilection of the human being," Duterte said.

"I am for same-sex marriage. If that is the trend of the modern times, if that will add to your happiness, who am I? You know, kung ano yung kaligayan ng tao bakit mo pigilan? Why impose a morality that is no longer working? So I am with you," he added.

Senator Cynthia Villar, for her part, said legalizing same-sex marriages remained "controversial.”

“Malayo pa yata tayo doon. Kasi sa ibang lugar, hindi nga ma-accept yun; eh di lalo na tayo na Catholic country, diba? Mahirap siguro yun,” Villar said in an interview.

“Baka i-address na lang mga concerns, controversial yan,” she added.

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV meanwhile said the discrimination against the LGBT community should first be addressed with the enactment of the anti-discrimination bill.

“Reforms should be started with the anti-discrimination bill that covers not only LGBT but religion, economic class, health issues to be able to start the foundation for all of these reforms,” Aquino said. —NB, GMA News