Abalos: Marcos EO on LGBTQ+ sector representation a ‘bold, welcome’ move

A couple hold hands wrapped in a rainbow flag as thousands of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender/Transexual Queer (LGBTQ) members hold a pride march at a sports complex in Marikina City in this file photo taken on June 30, 2018. (AFP photo)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order creating a special committee for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ+) community is a “bold and welcome” move, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

“The signing of Executive Order (EO) No. 51, s. 2023 by the President is a bold and welcome move as it recognizes the need to tackle and put the rights of Filipinos, regardless of gender and sexual orientation,” Abalos said in a statement on Tuesday.

Abalos also said he stands with Marcos “in espousing a society where diversity and inclusion remain foundational posts in establishing a truly united country.”

READ: LGBTQ+ sector gains voice in Marcos EO

Malacañang said that Executive Order No. 51 was signed on Dec. 22 to give the LGBTQ+ sector “an avenue to participate in policy formulation of the government despite the absence of an established body specifically dedicated to promote their rights and address their concerns.”

Abalos will serve as the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion created under EO 51.

“I commit to push for relevant and critical diversity and inclusion programs and policies that fully observe human rights and equality,” Abalos said.