Marcos vows to protect LGBTQIA+ community from discrimination

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has guaranteed members of the LGBTQIA+ community that his administration would protect them against any form of discrimination.

The President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos hosted a gathering in celebration of Pride Month at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

"I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that we in the Philippines, ay ang habol lang naman talaga natin is that everybody is treated not for any other thing, not for race, not for creed, not for orientation, but just as Filipinos,” Marcos said in his remarks.

“And that this government, that’s what it’s trying to do. But of course, there are many... I’m sure First Lady Liza (Araneta-Marcos) is even better briefed on the legal issues that impact upon your community,” he said.

According to the President, one should look at the values of an individual and not the other things. He expressed the belief that Filipinos are more open-minded compared to other countries.

"Dito sa Pinas, wala, okay lang ‘yan basta kilala mo naman ‘yan, kilala mo na.
Pagkatao 'yung tinitingnan natin, hindi 'yung kung ano-ano pa. That's the principle that we follow with this administration and with this government," Marcos said.

(In the Philippines, as long as you know someone, it's okay. We look at the values and not the other things. That's the principle that we follow with this administration and with this government.)

Marcos said as long as the public stays true to the idea of recognizing their fellow Filipinos, everyone will be treated fairly and without discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office said the group LGBT Pilipinas has been pushing for more visibility and representation in the bureaucracy by proposing the creation of an advisory body regarding LGBTQIA+ affairs under the Office of the President. 

The group is seeking the support of the First Lady in endorsing its proposal.

Araneta-Marcos witnessed the oath-taking of the new set of officers of the LGBT Pilipinas led by Director Dindi Tan as its national president.

In response, the First Lady said, “Knowing my husband, I’m sure he will grant the wish because he knows that you all campaigned for him and he wouldn’t be there without you guys.”

“So, thank you very much. I think it’s our way of giving back to those who helped him in the election,” she added.

The LGBT Pilipinas has made a commitment to help local government units pass their respective ordinances on anti-discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC), such as those passed by the local governments of Cebu City, Bacolod City, and Davao City.

Established in June 2016, the LGBT Pilipinas is the only SEC-registered national alliance of LGBTQIA+ organizations, networks, and allied groups across the country. —VAL, GMA Integrated News