Incoming Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo has renewed her call for the passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill, stressing its importance not just for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but for all Filipinos seeking protection from discrimination.
In a video message during the Pride Month celebration “LOV3LABAN” held at the University of the Philippines Diliman on Saturday, Robredo emphasized that the proposed legislation is a necessary step toward building an inclusive and compassionate society.
“We continue to call for the passage of the Sogie Equality Bill to enact guaranteed protection against discrimination, not just for LGBT individuals but for everyone,” Robredo said in Filipino.
She also underscored the deeper meaning of Pride Month, describing it as a time to honor “stories of struggle and strength, of heartbreak and healing, of quiet resistance and persistent joy.” Robredo added, “No one should live in fear because of who they are or who they love.”
The SOGIESC bill, originally filed in 2022 by Senator Risa Hontiveros, has remained stuck in the legislative process after passing the committee level but stalling in the second reading.
Robredo further used the platform to express concern over the surge in HIV cases in the Philippines, urging the government to act more aggressively. “Amid the reported increase in HIV cases in the country, we join in the call to intensify our actions to address this public health concern,” she said.
Her remarks came just weeks after the Department of Health reported a 550-percent spike in HIV cases over the last 14 years—from 4,400 in 2010 to over 29,600 in 2024. The Department’s declaration of HIV as a public health emergency was supported by both the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organization.
