Senatorial candidate and Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he would pursue the establishment of a shelter for the elderly and abandoned members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in every local government unit (LGU) across the country should he win a fresh term in the Senate in the upcoming May 2022 elections.
Escudero said he hopes to replicate the creation of a “home for homeless gays” similar to what is being done now in his home province.
He said Sorsogon is already preparing the site for its first LGBT home or the “Home for Homeless Gays.
The veteran lawmaker said he plans to institutionalize the creation of such shelter nationwide through a law which he will file when he wins the senatorial election.
Escudero said it is imperative to secure the safety and well-being of the less fortunate members of the community, especially the LGBTQ community.
“If we are committed to giving equal opportunities for all, every public servant should look after the welfare of their marginalized constituents, including the elderly and homeless LGBTs,” he stressed.
“Dapat yakapin natin ang lahat ng sektor ng lipunan para sa pantay-pantay na pagkalinga at tulong, kabilang at kahanay rito ang mga nasa (We need to embrace all sectors of the community to ensure giving equal benefits and assistance, and that includes those who are part of the) LGBT community,” he added.
Escudero said he would ensure funding for the LGBT shelters, which he said would be supervised by LGUs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In Sorsogon, he said the provincial government has already started preparing the construction of the Home for the Homeless Gays after a private citizen donated a 1,500-square meter lot in support of the governor’s vision to provide a sanctuary for the LGBTs in need.
The shelter will also have a livelihood training center for all LGBT members in the province.
“Hindi lang bubong at masisilungan ang gusto nating ipagkaloob sa ating mga may edad at inabandonang miyembro ng LGBT community (We do not just want to provide them a roof over their heads and a place to lay down),” Escudero said.
“Nais din nating silang bigyan ng kasanayang pangkabuhayan at bagong pagkakataon upang may pagkakitaan (We also want to provide them livelihood and a chance to earn for their living),” said the only incumbent governor who is seeking a seat in the Senate.
Escudero has been a longtime supporter of the LGBT community, pushing for equal opportunities for all regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation, having supported the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill during the 17th Congress.