By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equality and inclusion, saying no Filipino should ever be made to feel invisible because of who they are, how they identify, or whom they love.
In his message marking Pride Month, Marcos underscored the rights of members of the LGBTQIA+ community to equal treatment under the law and recognition as contributors to nation-building.
“As we celebrate Pride Month, the government reaffirms a principle that must never waver: every Filipino is entitled to equal protection, equal opportunity, and equal respect under the law,” he said.
The President stressed that inclusion must go beyond rhetoric and should be reflected in public policies, institutions, and everyday actions.
“Let this observance send a clear message: no Filipino should ever be made to feel invisible in the country they help build. No one should ever be forced to conceal who they are in order to earn acceptance and understanding,” Marcos said.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to Philippine society through leadership, public service, and various professions.
“The LGBTQIA+ Community has long helped shape our country’s progress through its talent, service, and leadership. To overlook these contributions is to deny an essential part of the Filipino story,” he said.
Marcos said Pride Month serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by generations of advocates who pushed for greater recognition, dignity, and equality.
“This observance honors the courage of those who refused to be excluded or denied their rightful place in society,” he said.
While the Philippines is widely regarded as one of the more socially accepting countries in Asia toward LGBTQIA+ individuals, advocates continue to push for the passage of anti-discrimination legislation and stronger legal protections against gender- and sexuality-based discrimination.
Marcos called on Filipinos to move forward together with “compassion, respect, and courage”.
“I wish everyone a meaningful and inspiring Pride Month celebration. Mabuhay ang LGBTQIA+ Community,” he said.
Celebrated every June, Pride Month honors the global Stonewall Riots against police brutality and discrimination that served as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in June 1969.
In the Philippines, the celebration serves as a local protest for equal rights, visibility, and the passing of the long-awaited SOGIE Equality Bill. It features massive, community-led festivals, most notably the Metro Manila Pride March and the massive Pride PH Festival.
