Over 200 groups, along with Bataan First District Rep. Geraldine Roman, have collectively urged President Marcos to prioritize the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sexual Characteristic (SOGIESC) bill. The Equality Alliance delivered a “love letter” to Marcos during a news conference, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights of all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community. The alliance, consisting of 203 different organizations, highlighted the economic benefits of passing this bill, such as creating inclusive workplaces and improving access to healthcare and education for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Furthermore, Roman called on Senate President Francis Escudero and Majority Leader Francis Tolentino to continue supporting the SOGIESC bill, referencing the 2022 committee report signed by 19 senators. Despite some setbacks, Roman remains optimistic about the House of Representatives supporting the bill, especially with the increasing presence of millennial and Gen Z lawmakers. She noted a shift in the political landscape, emphasizing that lawmakers are more inclined to vote for legislation beneficial to the Filipino nation, citing the recent approval of the divorce bill as an example.
