Duterte vows EO to address LGBT issues

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has vowed to sign an executive order aimed at threshing out issues being raised by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups, Sen. Christopher Go said yesterday.

The President made the promise after a meeting Tuesday night with LGBT advocates at Malacañang arranged by Go.

Go set up the meeting upon the request of key LGBTQ advocates led by Boobsie Savares. Also invited to the meeting was Gretchen Diez, a transwoman who figured in the news recently for being arrested after an altercation with a janitress at a mall who had prevented her from using a restroom for female customers. Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman was also at the meeting.

The planned EO is intended to partly address LGBT concerns as lawmakers continue discussions on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill and the Anti-Discrimination Bill.

“While waiting for the passage of the SOGIE bill, the President said ‘I might sign an EO creating LGBT Commission.’ Still being studied, one of the proposals he told the group,” Go told Senate reporters, recalling what transpired at the Palace meeting. He said he couldn’t tell yet when the President intends to issue the EO.

Go also said the government, together with LGBTQ groups, also plans to organize a national LGBTQ convention – possibly by September – where advocates from different regions can raise their concerns and come up with policy proposals to promote and protect their welfare.

“This LGBT convention is for everyone who would like to suggest or share insights on improving the welfare of every LGBT,” he added.

“They really wanted the President to hear their grievances, and they were happy to get the President to listen to them. Now, there is hope for the laws they’re pushing for,” Go said.

On the SOGIE Bill proposed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Go said he wanted to listen to all the ideas of his colleagues in the Senate.

He has been vocal in his support for the proposed SOGIE law. He manifested his support for the bill during the Senate session on Aug. 14. – With Christina Mendez