Vice-President Leni Robredo's dream is to see a world where everyone "can act with respect, walk free from feat, and stand with pride and dignity." File/Courtesy of the Office of the Vice President
MANILA—Vice-President Leni Robredo on Saturday pushed for the passage of the anti-discrimination bill, as she joined the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating Pride Month.
Under the proposed Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill, any form of discrimination against members of the LGBT community could lead to a fine of not less than P100,000, imprisonment of up to 6 years, or both.
"Like all of you, I continue to dream of a Philippines, and a world, where all of us, regardless of differences, can act with respect, walk free from fear, and stand with pride and dignity," Robredo said in a statement.
Pride Month, which is celebrated around the world every June, is an "opportunity for each of us to celebrate humanity’s wonderful and awe-inspiring diversity, and, more importantly, to recognize the fundamental truth that this diversity need not lead to division," the Philippines' top female official said.
"Let this celebration also be a moment for each of us to renew our commitment to upholding these principles, both through legislation, such as the Anti-Discrimination Bill, and in our daily interactions."
Robredo's pro-LGBT stance was echoed by her party-mate, opposition Senator Leila de Lima, who pledged to support the rainbow community.
"Kasama rin nila ako sa kanilang laban para sa pantay na pagtrato ng lipunan at malayang paggamit ng kanilang mga karapatan," De Lima said in a separate statement.
(I am also with them in their fight for equal treatment and theur freedom to exercise their rights.)
The detained senator from Bicol was a co-author of the anti-discrimination bill, which languished in 17th Congress.