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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara asks Pinoys: Protect LGBT rights

VP Sara asks Pinoys: Protect LGBT rights

Published Jun 23, 2025 12:25 pm
Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to protect the rights of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community as a form of standing up for the country’s democratic principles.

A Pride Parade marks the start of Pride Month celebrations in Las Piñas City on Saturday, June 21, 2025. (Contributed Photo)
A Pride Parade marks the start of Pride Month celebrations in Las Piñas City on Saturday, June 21, 2025. (Contributed Photo)
In a message for Pride Month 2025 on Monday, June 23, the country’s second-highest official underscored the importance of “diversity” and the “exceptional talent and expertise” of the LGBT community.

“To all Filipinos: our democratic principles demand that we protect our most vulnerable. When we safeguard LGBT rights, we reinforce the foundations upon which all our freedoms rest,” she said.

“Let us build together a Philippines where diversity is recognized not as incidental, but essential to our national character. Where human dignity needs no justification. Where the courage to face adversity is honored as the highest expression of Filipino resilience,” she added.

Duterte, who once identified as an LGBT, recognized the “transformative courage” by the community, stressing that the courage “to live truthfully despite obstacles” dares Filipinos “to embrace honesty, authenticity, and inclusion in all that we do.”

She also acknowledged the burdens being carried by the members of the LGBT community, many of whom face workplace discrimination, are barred from accessing quality healthcare, and silently battle mental health problems because of “persistent marginalization.”

“Pride reminds us that our shared humanity has the power to heal these wounds. It stands as living proof that our diversity is not a weakness to overcome, but a wellspring of resilience and creativity,” she said.

“The liberty to be oneself fully is a truth that the next generation of Filipinos will inherit and strengthen,” the Vice President added.

Pride Month is celebrated in the whole month of June. Pride events aimed to empower the LGBTQ+ community by creating safe spaces where their identities and gender expressions are celebrated and their rights recognized.

The events also serve as a protest against the inequality, injustices, and abuses that challenge the community.

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VP Sara Duterte LGBT rights LGBT community Pride Month
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