Recognition cannot remain only in words; it must be reflected in policies, institutions, and everyday actions.
We welcome the Philippine President’s statement as it brings visibility and recognition of the decades long advocacy work of our movement, and the push for much needed policy reforms. Celebrating Pride Month goes beyond the colorful parades and warm expressions of support for the community, rather it serves as a reminder of the work that remains unfinished.
The President’s statement rightly notes that inclusion cannot remain only in words and must be reflected in policies, institutions, and everyday actions.
For many decades the LGBTQIA+ community has been pushing for a national law to protect Filipinos from all forms of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). We encourage the President to transform his statement of support into a clear policy commitment to certify as urgent the passage of an anti-discrimination law.
Moreso, we encourage the Philippine government to build on this statement by undertaking concrete policies and programs that guarantee equality and protection within the Philippines and across the ASEAN region. This includes broader access to gender-inclusive healthcare, quality education for LGBTQIA+ youth, just and fair employment and livelihood for LGBTQIA+ workers, resources to empower LGBTQIA+ artists and creatives, and access to legal remedies for LGBTQIA+ persons facing discrimination and violence. We expect no less than improvements in the quality of life of LGBTQIA+ persons.
Being the Chair of ASEAN in 2026, Philippines holds a leadership position in advancing human rights in the Southeast Asian region. The Philippines must not remain silent while LGBTQIA+ persons remain criminalized in a number of ASEAN countries, and while LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders are attacked for doing their work. It cannot remain evasive and indifferent on non-inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in ASEAN’s work on human rights and sustainable development. The Philippines through its chairship at ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to take a more proactive and vocal leadership role, to strengthen the regional promotion of human rights and protection of marginalized LGBTQIA+ communities in the ASEAN region.
The courage, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community have long helped shape the Philippines. This recognition from a head of state is an important milestone, but it should also be the beginning of renewed commitments toward substantive equality, dignity, and justice for all.
