Pimentel: Approval of same sex marriage in PH not yet likely

Legalizing same sex marriage is not yet in the country’s “radar,” Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Monday.

“Malayo pa sa radar, wala pa yun  sa radar,”  Pimentel said  in a phone patch interview when asked about the possibility of  allowing same sex marriage in the Philippines, following the US  Supreme Court decision allowing same sex marriage in all its states.

READ: US Supreme Court extends same-sex marriage nationwide

He said the obstacles in allowing same sex marriage in the Philippines would be its internal laws and  constitution.

“Siguro yung mga pulitiko, yung mga policymaker, they will also fear the opposition or the backlash from the Catholic Church pero that’s the political side. Pero ako natingin lang ako sa legal and constitutional side. It might not even be constitutional so i-check muna natin yun,” the senator said.

For his part, acting Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he would not support  the legalization of same sex marriage in the country.

“Nope, it’s against the Constitution,” Sotto said in a text message to reporters.

Sen. Serge Osmeña III, in a separate text message, said he agreed with the US Supreme Court decision but did not say whether or not same sex marriage should also be allowed in the Philippines. AU

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