SOGIE bill should focus on violations not included in present laws –Pimentel

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III on Tuesday suggested that, to avoid confusion, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) bill would focus on human rights violations that were not yet included in existing laws.

“Isa-isahin natin kung ano ang particular discrimination na hindi pa naa-address ng present laws, dun dapat nakatutok ang SOGIE bill,” explained Pimentel during a Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality hearing on the proposed measure.

“Why add to the confusion? Nagiging divided society tayo. We have to eliminate or minimize discrimination,” he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, however, pointed out that what the committee was trying to do was to fill the gaps in the present laws.

“Hindi pa talaga nakakayang hulihin ng existing laws ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon even if those laws were fully and properly implemented. Kulang pa ang existing laws,” said Hontiveros.

Senator Imee Marcos seconded Hontiveros, arguing that it was “important that there is SOGIE equality bill.”

Three bills seeking to prohibit discrimination on the basis of SOGIE had been filed in the Senate. These were introduced by Senators Hontiveros, Marcos, and Francis Pangilinan. — DVM, GMA News