MANILA, Philippines— At least 15 of the 24 senators will vote against the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (Sogie) Equality bill, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III claimed on Monday.
With certainty, Sotto reiterated that the bill would not get the approval of the Senate, citing the existence of laws that protect not only one sector, but every Filipino.
READ: Sotto sees no chance of passing Sogie bill
“We can safely say, and we have studied this proposition already, there’s no need for it. It’s a redundancy,” he said in a joint press conference at the Senate.
The Senate leader was joined by Senator Joel Villanueva and father, House Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva, and various civic leaders and religious groups opposing the Sogie bill.
“All Filipinos and everyone in the Philippines are equally protected by equal rights and all the rights that are given any individual in the Philippines,” Sotto went on.
“There are enough laws that cover that particular issue that they are talking about,” he added.
Asked if that meant the measure would not pass the chamber, the Senate leader gave a resounding “yes” to the question.
“A great majority, not only 13,” he said, “At least 15 and counting.”
While they are opposing the bill, Representative Villanueva said they have no “hatred” against members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.
“We actually love them with the compassionate heart of Jesus because we know the Bible, we know the plan of God, and God loves them all,” he said.
Like Sotto, however, Representative Villanueva believes there is no need for Sogie bill since it is already redundant with existing laws./ac