BATAAN Representative Geraldine Roman along with LGBTQIA+ groups and advocates urged President Ferdinand Marcos to pass the SOGIESC or  Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, and Sex Characteristic bill as urgent. 

“Mr. President, bahagi po kami ng lipunan at meron naman po kaming inaambag sa ating bansa. At tulad ng ibang Pilipino, we want to be able to develop our full potential so we can become productive members of society,” said Rep. Roman. 

The House of Representatives is currently sponsoring the proposed legislation. However, the passing of the SOGIESC has yet to be certified. 

SOGIESC is a senate bill that fights for an anti-discrimination legislation. The SOGIE Equality Bill recognizes the rights of every person regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation. 

It aims to provide equal opportunities for everyone through accessing basic social services, protection, healthcare, and justice. 

Roman stated that the SOGIE SC bill does not push for same-sex marriage and gender recognition on where an individual can legally change their gender in official documents. 

Roman also clarified that the bill does not violate religious freedom. 

“Kung naipapasa na ang anti-discrimination ordinance sa local level, bakit hindi pa namin ito ipinapasa sa national level?” Roman asked.

More than 20 towns, more than 40 cities, and 11 provinces have enacted anti-discrimination ordinances, according to Pantay.

“Bulag na lang ang ayaw makakita o bingi na lang ang ayaw makinig. Alam namin na ito ay simpleng Anti-Discrimination bill na naglalayong proteksiyunan ang lahat ng Pilipino – LGBT man o hindi… Unfortunately, most cases of discrimination happen and are committed against members of the LGBT community,” Roman said. 

According to Roman, the SOGIE SC measure is supported by the House of Representatives leadership and the majority of members, and they have urged the Senate leadership to follow suit.

“Para sa akin, hindi katanggap-tanggap na upuan mo lang ang isang panukalang batas especially when there is a clamor nationwide na maipasa itong anti-discrimination bill based on SOGIE SC.” 

Roman also called on actress Heart Evangelista to convince her husband Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to support the bill. 

“I am hopeful. Baka naman, Ms Heart Evangelista, you can convince. Heart Evangelista is proudly an equality champ. She won an award the same year that I did. And I know na alam ko malapit din sa puso ni Senate President Chiz Escudero ang LGBTQIA community.” 

Roman is hoping that bill will be approved before the end of the year. Aside from that she also plans to conduct a nationwide census of the LGBT community within the country. 

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