Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday, Feb. 14, recognized the contributions and “color” given by the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Allies, Nonbinary/Genderqueer+) community to her presidential campaign.
“Nagpapasalamat din po ako (I am also thankful) in a very special way sa inyong lahat na kayo talaga iyong nagbibigay ng kulay sa kampanyang ito (to you all that you are the ones who give color to this campaign),” she said during the signing of the LGBTQIA+ covenant at the Leni-Kiko Volunteer Center in Quezon City.
“First time ko nakita iyong ganitong (I’ve seen this kind of) passion,” Robredo added, noting that the LGBTQIA+ community is leading many activities for her campaign.
Fresh from attending the formal endorsement of Philippine National Artists, the Vice President attended the covenant signing at the group's headquarters where she received 14 pink roses to commemorate Valentine’s Day.
Also present were reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros, lawyers Sonny Matula and Chel Diokno, representative of former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., Akbayan Partylist nominees Percy Cendana and RJ Naguit.
The covenant included proposed action plans on “vital areas such as discrimination, violence, mental health, participation, and safe spaces of the community.”
The proposal covers a wide range of topics—anti-discrimination legislation and policies, LGBTQIA+ and Philippine foreign policy, consultation, meaningful participation of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos in transformative governance, and LGBTQIA+, sexual, physical, and mental health.
Robredo said the signing of the covenant is “not static” but that it is part of the promise that if, given a chance, she will continue discussing and finding ways to help the sector.
The covenant signing is the conclusion of the Pride March called Martsa Para sa Pag-ibig, which was attended by the LGBTQIA+ for Leni.
It was organized not only to endorse Robredo’s presidential bid, but also to “reaffirm the role of the state in championing human rights for all.”
“Significant strides are yet to be attained in protecting and promoting the inalienable human rights of persons,” a statement from the LGBTQIA+ for Leni said.
“LGBTQIA+ Filipinos still face harrowing cases of discrimination, exclusion, and gender-based violence on a daily basis,” it added.
Representatives from LGTBQIA+ organizations across the Philippines including the Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY), Bahaghari, UP Babaylan, Iloilo Pride, Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Inc., and many more witnessed the event organized by the Robredo People’s Council.