‘Sharmaine’ bill filed for trans Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to recognize the lived identities of trans and intersex Filipinos has been filed in Congress.

The Lived Identities and Recognition Act, or “Sharmaine” bill, will allow transgender, intersex and non-binary Filipinos to change legal documents without the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings.

The bill covers survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse who seek a name change for their safety and well-being.

Proponents include Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno and Dadah Kiram Ismula and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

“For many trans and intersex Filipinos, their names cause ridicule and discrimination. They are ridiculed and laughed off because of their names in their legal documents,” Cendaña said.

“If we immediately get that Sharmaine is the name of an orange on TikTok, we can extend this understanding to trans and intersex brothers and sisters. They deserve to be recognized by the law in the name that they use and for who they are,” he added.

Under the Clerical Error Law, as amended by RA 10172, a person may change their first name if it has been “habitually and continuously used by the petitioner and he/she has been publicly known by that first name or nickname.”

Naga’s LGBTQ  ordinance

The Naga city government has passed an ordinance institutionalizing an annual commitment ceremony for LGBTQ couples.

Naga Councilor Gilda Gayle Abonal-Gomez confirmed this, with the first commitment ceremony to be held this month and subsequently every February.

Quezon City Pride road closures

The University of the Philippines Diliman Office of the Chancellor yesterday issued a memorandum on road closures and traffic circulation for the June 27 Quezon City Pride March.

The Academic Oval will be closed to motorists starting 9 p.m. on June 25 up to noon on June 28.