“With a law, there is behavioral change that is expected at the societal level”
To our respected adjudicator, to our dear moderator, to our notable and worthy opponents, ladies
and gentlemen, Good morning. We in the affirmative side, humbly submits and strongly agree that the
Congress should pass the SOGIE Bill.
House Bill No. 4982 or “An Act Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation or
Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE) aims to address the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of
one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Article III Section 1 of 1987 Philippine
Constitution stated that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of
law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.”. In line with this, the SOGIE
Equality Bill is meant to fulfill the rights set forth in the 1987 constitution, particularly the equal
protection clause. Furthermore, it recognizes the LGBTQ++ as equals and ensures that their rights are
protected inasmuch as everyone’s is. In addition, the bill also acknowledges the Philippines duties under
international law particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights thus recognizes the non-discrimination of the LGBTQ++ as both a national
and international duty.
Discrimination and violations against the basic rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
(LGBT) persons in the Philippines continue to this day. According to a United Nations (UN) study, 30%
of LGBT in the country reported being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against by others while at work
because of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE). Additionally, the same
study also said 21% of Filipino respondents believed that they were denied a job because of their SOGIE.
The absence of a protective legal mechanism for persons of diverse SOGIE leaves them vulnerable to
discriminatory practices that exclude them from full and meaningful participation in work, education, and
training institutions and which limit their access to basic services (like health and social services, access
to justice).
In the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article II, Section 11 provides that “The State values the
dignity of every person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” Despite significant strides in the
advancement of gender equality in the Philippines, little progress has been made in recognizing the rights
of persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) to be protected from
various forms of discrimination in private and public institutions.
Consequently, in the Philippines, some local governments already have ordinances to protect the
welfare of the LGBT community. In addition, the Department of Education issued the Gender-Responsive
Basic Education Policy which primarily "commits to integrate the principles of gender equality, gender
equity, gender sensitivity, non-discrimination and human rights in the provision and governance of basic
education."
It is high time for the Philippines to join the long list of countries with a national anti-
discrimination law. With the hopes of giving the LGBT community full acceptance, and not just
tolerance, this proposed legislation aims to finally eliminate the hate and discrimination against them.
This bill also seeks to create an environment that is safe, equal, and reasonable for everyone regardless of
their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
My argument is proven; I conclude my statement. I rest my case. I am ready to interpolate.
