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SOGIE and ADO SITUATIONER. From left to right, Councilor Mylen Yaranon, Happy Ruz and Atty. Hendrix Bongalon discussed the progress of the SOGIESC Equality bill and the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (ADO) in Baguio City during the “Pride 102: I have a Queery” on June 3 at Balanghai ni Ikeng, Ililikha Artist Village.
The Northern Luzon Pride (NLP), in a statement, said that the approval of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) bill of the technical working group of the House of Representatives (HP) is “a step closer towards more tolerance, inclusivity and acceptance”, June 4.
The House Committee on Women and gender equality consolidated House Bills No. 222, 460, 3418, 3702, 4277, 5551, 6003 & 7036. These similar bills seek to prohibit discrimination based on one’s SOGIE.
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In a panel discussion on SOGIE and Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (ADO) Situationer conducted by the NLP, advocates stressed the importance of passing a national legislation to end the discrimination among the Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.
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“Kailangan nating ilaban ang SOGIE bill by acknowledging discrimination na it happens and it’s violent,” Atty. Hendrix Bongalon of the University of the Philippines College of Law stressed.
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In addition, Baguio Safe and Sound Cities Program Project Coordinator Happy Ruz said that legislators further stall the bill because they ignore the harsh reality the community encounters.
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“Ang problemang kailangan din natin tingnan dito ay ang ating mga legislators are in denial sa existence natin, in denial sila sa ating experiences ng discrimination at harassment. Gusto natin ma-legistate siya [SOGIE Equality Bill] at maparusahan ang dapat maparusahan,” Ruz said.
Meanwhile, Councilor Mylen Yaranon of the Baguio City Council mentioned the importance of national legislations which helps localize the laws in the form of ordinances.
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“ We need a national law para we just have to localize that law na sana. That’s the importance of national laws. Kaya kung may SOGIE-SC national bill, then automatic na lahat ng LGU,” she said.
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As of this writing, there are only 40 ADOs in the Philippines.
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City of Baguio enacted an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in 2018. However, it is not yet enforced due to the absence of implementing rules and regulation.
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— Jerson Kent Danao