Duterte vows equal rights and protection for LGBT community

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Renewing his commitment to promote equal rights and protection among Filipinos,  President Rodrigo Duterte assured on Sunday that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), they will not suffer  discrimination, oppression and bigotry under his administration.

“Let me just say thank you for the celebration and you have my guarantee that everybody, at least during my term, will be protected and nurtured as human being,” he emphasized in his speech as he graced the 7th LGBT Davao’s Year-end Gathering at the Tent Azuela Cove here.

He even encouraged the group to nominate a member to join as commissioner at the  the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCP)  as long as they are qualified.

Duterte first showed support to the LGBT community when he was mayor here believe every human being regardless of gender preference deserve equal protection before the law.

“There will be no oppression and we will recognize your importance in society,” he added.

“I’d like a gay there somewhere or a lesbian. And mag-usap kayong lahat all over the Philippines. You nominate somebody who is honest, hardworking. And I would like to show that any, ma-bakla man o ma-tomboy (Either gay or lesbian), can always work just like an ordinary human being,” he said.

Duterte said he would give the LGBT community until the second week of January next year to submit their nomination.

Duterte also renewed his commitment to the LGBT community that he would try to solve the major problems besetting the country such as corruption and illegal drugs during his term.

He also issued a strong message to people engaged in human trafficking and slavery.

“Slavery must stop.  I will take a strong stand against this. I will not tolerate it. I said, kayong mga kidnappers ‘pag nahuli ko kayo (You kidnappers, If you will get caught)  I will treat you just like a drug lord,” he said.

Citing his experience as former Davao City Mayor, Duterte said everyone enjoys the same rights and privilege as he even mention the Davao City Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.

Though he renewed his commitment to support same sex marriage, the Congress still has to enact a Bill for said purpose as there was strong opposition when the issue was first deliberated on the floor.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph