The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the issuance of Executive Order No. 51 (EO 51) that strengthens the mechanism to address the continued discrimination against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.

In a statement, the CHR said EO 51 is in line with Section 11, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which declares that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

“Pursuant to this article, the issuance of EO 51, series of 2023 signifies a pivotal moment in institutionalizing a more progressive policy framework aimed at ensuring the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community,” it said.

It also said that EO 51 is a “collaborative approach” to promote a unified strategy across all branches of government as it highlights the importance of LGBTQI+ rights in the national agenda.

“Such institutionalization is critical for fostering long-term social acceptance, legal protections, and equal opportunities for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions (SOGIE),” it added.

President Marcos has made an effort to implement the EO, and the CHR noted the order’s clear tone for the country's prioritization of LGBTQIA+ rights.

Also, the CHR said the order signals a similar effort among other government agencies to actively implement and support this initiative and ensure a whole-of-government approach.

“We hope that this kind of support from the Executive Department shall pave the eventual attainment of equal rights and protection for LGBTQIA+ members through the passage of the pending SOGIE Equality Bill,” the CHR said.

“As Gender Ombud, the CHR is persistent in its determination to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their identity or how they choose to express it,” it said.