Roman: Marcos unlikely to certify SOGIE bill as urgent

The LGBTQ+ group Bahaghari pushes for the enactment of the Sogie bill. —GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Bataan First District Rep. Geraldine Roman said Monday she does not anticipate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will certify the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) equality bill as urgent.

Roman, who didn’t elaborate on her reasoning, made the comment during her red carpet appearance at Marcos’ second State of the Nation Address (Sona). She did note that Marcos had already met with the LGBT community during Pride Month in June.

“I don’t think so,” Roman told INQUIRER.net when asked about the likelihood of the SOGIE bill’s urgent certification by the President.

“But last Pride month, he met with the LGBT community and announced a plan to sign an executive order for the creation of a special commission for LGBT affairs,” she added.

Roman was referring to a Pride celebration at Malacañang where First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos expressed confidence that Marcos would authorize the formation of a commission or advisory council for LGBTQIA+ affairs within the Office of the President.

Roman conveyed optimism that the SOGIE bill might make progress in the House of Representatives, stating they already “have the number.”

However, she urged the Senate to prioritize discussing the bill, which remains suspended at the Senate Committee on Rules.

“I hope [the Senate] focuses on the SOGIE equality bill and gives it time on the floor or in the committee because I know you’re capable of discussing it and have the intelligence to do so. Use your intelligence,” Roman said.

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