Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez announced on Tuesday, Feb. 14, Valentine's Day the refiling of his signature bill allowing both same-sex and opposite sex couples to enter into a civil partnership in lieu of marriage.

Refined in the curent 19th Congress by former House Speaker Alvarez is House Bill (HB) No. 6782, or the proposed Act recognizing the civil partnership of couples providing for their rights and obligations.

“This is my third term and third attempt for the Civil Partnership Bill. Who knows, it can be strike three, or it can be third time’s the charm. I’m not new to this. Some battles you win, some you don’t. But in either case, there is truth to the saying that politics is the art of the possible. Let’s file this, get the word out, and let us see what happens," Alvarez said in a statement.

Alvarez, first Speaker of the previous Duterte administration, filed the during the 17th and 18th Congresses.

In both instances, the measure didn't prosper and languished at the committee deliberation level. None moved toward second and third reading approval.

Asked why he keeps on pushing for institutionalized civil partnerships despite the strong opposition to it from certain sectors, Alvarez said: "I am a legislator. My job is to identify problems and provide solutions to the pain points of ordinary life that people deal with. In this case, there is definitely an absence of legal framework for those who do not fit traditional marriages. Let’s think about them too. Huwag lang puro tayo (Let's not be selfish).”

The Philippines is predominantly a Catholic country known for conservative values. The Church, Alvarez said, retains its clout as a lobbying force that resists moves to alter the definitions of traditional relationships.

As for the critics of the bill, the Mindanaoan said there could be a chance to reach a "common ground".

“Let’s talk, maybe we can find a common ground. But if they want a fight, okay lang din (that's okay). Sanay tayo diyan (We're used to that). Bring it on," said the at-times outspoken Alvarez.

“You wouldn’t like it if outsiders dictated and intervened into your personal relationships, why do you keep dictating and intervening into the relationships of others? How about mind your own business? Live and let live," he added.

Under the Family Code of the Philippines, only heterosexual couples can enter into a marriage, thus excluding members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community and their relationships.

Other issues that the civil partnerships bill seek to address are the lack of legal rights, responsibilities, and protections for non-traditional unions.

"We allow traditional relationships to have that benefit, that opportunity, but how about others who can’t get married? Why should we deprive them of the opportunity to be a witness to, and being witnessed in return, by their special someone?” Alvarez asked.

Asked about the possible effect of institutionalized civil partnership vis a vis marriage, Alvarez claimed that "it will even strengthen traditional marriages".

“Those who really want to get married are those who will get married. While those who don’t want marriage, they need not force fit themselves into a marriage. They can opt for a civil partnership instead," he explained.