According to the Pew Research Center's survey "The Global Divide on homosexuality. " I note that 73% of adult Filipinos agree that homosexuality SHOULD BE ACCEPTED BY SOCIETY. The Philippines ranks as the second as the most homo-friendly country in the Asia-Pacific region, After Australia. Just recently, some 70,000 people joined the Metro Manila Pride march, the largest and oldest Pride demonstration in Southeast Asia.

               Despite these promising numbers, in my own perspective, the Philippines only offers, quote: Tolerate, but not fully accept, the LGBTQIA+ community. United Nations (UN) study reveals that 30% of LGBTQIA+ individuals in our country have been reported being harassed, bullied or discriminated against at work due to their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE). The same study indicated that 21% of Filipino respondents felt they were denied in their jobs because of their SOGIE.

                Countries like Canada, Portugal, and Sweden have already enacted their own anti-discrimination legislation. Five nations including Bolivia, Ecuador, Fiji, Malta, and the United Kingdom have constitutions that explicitly guarantee equality based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

                 In the Philippines, while some local governments have passed ordinances to protect the LGBT community, and the Department of Education has issued its Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy, committing to integrate principles of gender equality, equity, sensitivity, non-discrimination, and human rights into basic education, it's high time for us to enact a national anti-discrimination law.

                   With the hope of fostering full acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community, rather than mere tolerance, I propose this legislation to eliminate hate and discrimination against them. This bill seeks to create a safe, equal, and reasonable environment for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. I earnestly urge the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 689.

RERERENCES

Pangilinan, F. N. (2023). An Act Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) and Providing Penalties Therefor (Senate Bill No. 689, 18th Cong., 1st Reg. Sess.). Senate of the Philippines. https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_fair.aspx?congress=18&q=SBN-689

Bulatlat. (2025). After 25 years, SOGIESC Bill still awaits passage. https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/06/24/after-25-years-sogiesc-bill-still-awaits-passage/