Duterte defends Ang Ladlad

MANILA, Philippines - The members of Ang Ladlad found an ally in Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) denied last week the group’s bid to become a party-list group for the 2010 polls.

Comelec second division chairman Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer dismissed Ang Ladlad’s claim that gays and lesbians are marginalized, insisting that gays and lesbians are over-represented not only in Congress but as well as in the Senate, “the military and even in the religious sectors.”

But Duterte said Ferrer was being a bigot when he said the House of Representatives is already filled with homosexuals.

“That statement is a bigotry to the highest order. You cannot deny representation to any group. Who are you to deny them? That’s prejudice. Kung gusto sa Pilipino na punuon ug bayot ang Congress (If Filipinos want to fill Congress with gays) so be it,” Duterte said, adding that the move was a clear case of discrimination on the part of the Comelec officials.

Lately, Ferrer encouraged Ang Ladlad to file a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec so his earlier ruling would further be explained to the group.

Ang Ladlad officials reportedly also wanted their case to be heard by the whole commission, not only by Ferrer.

Duterte urged Ang Ladlad to file a case before the Supreme Court, adding that had he been a lawyer, he would have offered the group his services.

“Swerte lang mo, kay kung nabayot ko, ako gyud mag-una ug protesta. Unya karon kung bayot diay ko, unsaon man nato na (You’re lucky because had I been gay, I would have led the protest. What if I am really gay? What can you do?),” Duterte said.