Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has vowed anew to advance a comprehensive and inclusive anti-discrimination measure that goes beyond the scope of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill.

In a statement Friday, Dec. 1, Villanueva stressed the need for an extensive strategy, asserting that in order “to achieve genuine equality and justice, we must tackle discrimination on all fronts".

“While the SOGIE Equality bill is important, it's imperative that we extend our efforts to combat bias based on various factors, fostering the creation of a truly inclusive society,” he said.

Villanueva issued the statement amid renewed calls for the passage of the SOGIE Equality bill, as some supporters of the measure have taken to antagonizing him, citing perceived delays in the bill’s progression.

In a Senate budget hearing on Nov. 21, senators reprimanded the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) after one of its officials sought a petition directed at Villanueva, urging for the swift passage of the SOGIE Equality bill.

This response came after Villanueva presented a video clip of lawyer Krissi Shaffina Twyla Rubin, the officer-in-charge of CHR's Center for Gender Equality & Women’s Human Rights during a Pride Month celebration in Quezon City last June.

In the video, Rubin stated, "Mayroon kaming isang petisyon, isang love letter sa ating senador. Hulaan niyo kung sinong senador? Mayroon tayong love letter kay Senator Joel Villanueva. At ang ating panawagan po, dear Senator Villanueva, dear senators natin, lahat po kayo, sana pakinggan niyo ang boses ng ating LGBTQ community at ang ating sigaw ano pong gusto nating ipasa? SOGIE Equality bill (We have a petition, a love letter to our senator. Guess who's the senator? We have a love letter to Senator Joel Villanueva. And our call, dear Senator Villanueva, dear senators, all of you, I hope you listen to the voice of our LGBTQ community, and what do we want to get passed? SOGIE Equality bill)."

Expressing his displeasure, a visibly upset Villanueva remarked: “Hindi niyo ba ako pupwedeng madinig muna yung aking adhikain at ang mga panukalang batas na aking inihain dito sa Senado bago po kayo magdesisyon na pipetitionin niyo po ako, bago po kayo magdesisyon, natatayong sa entablado, yurakan ang aking pagkatao? (Can you not listen first to my plans and the proposed measure that I filed here in Senate before you decide to petition against me, before you decided, stand on the stage, and destroy my reputation?)”

Villanueva's colleagues, especially Senators Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and Alan Peter Cayetano, were united in support of the majority leader in expressing his discontent against Rubin.

Cayetano went further, highlighting that opposing the SOGIE bill doesn't equate to being against the LGBTQIA+ community.

He pointed out that Villanueva, labeled as a "bigot and anti-LGBT," faced such accusations fueled by remarks made by Rubin during the event.

In his recent statement, Villanueva emphasized the importance of protecting individuals from discrimination based on age, disability, ethnicity, and other factors.

“Our goal is to create a legislative framework that safeguards the rights and dignity of every Filipino, regardless of their background. A holistic anti-discrimination measure is not only about protecting specific groups but ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all," he said.

The senator acknowledged the complexity of the issue and expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with fellow lawmakers to craft legislation that addresses the diverse forms of discrimination prevalent in society.

As discussions on anti-discrimination measures continue, Villanueva said he remains steadfast in his advocacy for a more comprehensive and inclusive legal framework that promotes equality, understanding, and respect for all.