Vice President Sara Duterte has voiced her support for two specific Senate bills aimed at safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community—while notably steering clear of backing the SOGIESC Equality Bill.
Speaking during an event organized by the Office of the Vice President on Wednesday, Duterte highlighted Senate Bill No. 2766 or the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act and Senate Bill No. 449 or the Civil Union Act as measures she believes are ready for passage. Both were filed by her political allies, Senators Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos.
“This is a universal human obligation, and it is time we enshrine it into national law,” she emphasized in her speech.
When asked about the SOGIESC Equality Bill, which seeks to specifically ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics, Duterte dismissed the query with a shrug. The bill is authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of the Duterte family.
Duterte said her office’s legal team carefully reviewed the proposed laws and identified the two bills she supports as “ready and ripe” for endorsement and legislative action.
She also called for the establishment of a National LGBTQIA+ Commission to serve as a central agency for policy formulation and empowerment initiatives, especially for vulnerable sectors such as LGBTQIA+ youth.
“While an Inter-Agency Committee led by the DSWD exists, a dedicated Commission is crucial for holistic, nationwide inclusion,” she added.
