A youth organization with members from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao has expressed support to the candidacy of retired police general Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar as senator.
The group, Youth for Eleazar, is composed of members of student councils and organizations, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), artists’ sector, young professionals’ sector, Muslim community, LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) and other various youth leaders.
During a virtual "Meet and Greet", Eleazar presented his legislative agenda which include pushing for the protection and empowerment of the youth sector.
Among his programs for the young Filipinos are election reforms, governance and financial independence for the SK; support to the sports development of student-athletes to hone them into world-class athletes; financial support to students of agriculture and fisheries-related courses for the practical application of their learnings; and support to the youth whose interests lie in filmmaking so the Philippines’ film industry can be at par with other countries.
Eleazar also answered some of his supporters’ questions, one of them is his stand on the Anti-Terrorism Law, which was blamed for the supposed red-tagging of various youth activist groups.
“The Anti-Terror Law underwent a thorough study of the Congress and was compared to similar laws in other countries. In fact after its passage, this was questioned before the Supreme Court, which in turn said that the aw is Constitutional except for some provisions," said Eleazar.
"We need this law for the protection of the majority. All the safeguards are already embedded in the law," he added.
Eleazar also gave his opinion on the passage of the Universal Healthcare Law in 2019 which seeks to provide free and accessible basic health services to the Filipinos, especially the marginalized and poor sectors.
Eleazar was also asked about his opinion on the hate and bigotry against the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines, and how he will ensure their protection if elected in the Senate, including whether or not he is in favor of same sex marriage or civil union.
“Happiness is one of the foundations of life and living a happy life is a right that is protected by a democratic country like us. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community do not step the rights of other people so they should not suffer, should not be discriminated and must be protected," said Eleazar.
Elesazar said he supports civil union of members of LGBTQIA+ community in order for them to have rights that include conjugal properties.
After answering the questions from his supporters, Eleazar witnessed the declaration of solidarity of various youth groups and leaders.