DAVAO CITY — Malacañang has reiterated its firm position that the anti-discrimination law will address all forms of discrimination, including those perpetuated against the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, Queers, + (LGBTQ+) sector.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo last week reiterated what President Rodrigo Roa Duterte actually meant regarding the issue, saying that the Chief Executive will certify as urgent the anti-discrimination bill.
“The basis there is the subsequent explanation of the President. When he said ‘mayroon na ako niyan sa Davao noon, iyong Anti-Discrimination Law.’ So he was actually referring to that,” Secretary Panelo said.
“Moreover, with respect to anti-discrimination against this particular class, that can be included in the general anti-discrimination law. Nakita ko kagabi, flinash iyong mga topics doon sa anti-discrimination law ni Senator [Sonny] Angara, andoon eh,” Sec. Panelo added.
Under the anti-discrimination bill, according to Sec. Panelo, everyone will be protected from undue discrimination regardless of whether the same is made on the basis of gender or any other factor.
“Kasi nga hindi pwedeng class legislation, eh ‘di i-include mo na lang. And even Congresswoman [Geraldine] Roman said so herself that they are welcoming that,” he said.
“I think so because this is an anti-discrimination bill. So, pasok lahat. All forms of discrimination against any person or particular class of persons,” he added.