Republic of the Philippines
Department Of Education
Province Of Ilocos Sur
Sinait National High School
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
A position paper presented to the
Sinait National High School
Humanities and Social Sciences Strand
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and
Expression (SOGIE)
In partial fulfillment of the subject
Reading and Writing
Submitted to:
Fahd B. Agbulos
Submitted by:
Princess Nicole R. Raña 11-Bonifacio
STATEMENT:
The enactment of the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression)
Bill is a crucial step towards ensuring equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals in the
Philippines. This proposed legislation seeks to protect the rights of every person, regardless of
their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, and to eliminate discrimination and
prejudice based on these factors.
By enacting the SOGIE Bill, the Philippines can demonstrate its commitment to human
rights, inclusivity, and diversity. It sends a powerful message that discrimination and bigotry
have no place in a modern and democratic society. Moreover, it fosters a culture of acceptance,
understanding, and respect for the diverse identities and experiences within the Filipino
community.
Nowadays, the youth are seeking an advance critic towards the productivity of this
known SOGIE BILL. In addition, by this enactment, is it enough to protect the rights, freedom,
and privacy of every member of the SOGIE?
BODY:
The freedom of the LGBTQ+ community is a fundamental human right and must be
upheld and protected. Every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity,
or expression, deserves to live with dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination and
persecution. The SOGIE Bill is not about granting special rights; it is about recognizing and
upholding the inherent rights and humanity of every individual. It seeks to provide legal
protections against discrimination, harassment, and violence directed at LGBTQ+ individuals,
who often face significant challenges and barriers to their full participation in society.
In my point of view, many parts of the world, members of the LGBTQ+ community
face severe challenges to their freedom and rights. They experience discrimination, violence,
and legal barriers that hinder their ability to live openly and authentically. These injustices not
only violate basic human rights but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigma.
According to Rocky Rinabor, Amnesty Philippines Chairperson (2021), “In a country
where marginalized groups already experience hostile and discriminatory environments,
women and LGBTQI people face disproportionately high levels of inequality when accessing
health care, education, housing, and employment. By ignoring or delaying the enactment of
laws to combat these, the Philippines loses opportunities to reaffirm the core fundamental belief
that human rights must be respected for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity”.
The SOGIE Bill is not only a matter of social justice but also of economic and societal
progress. When individuals are free from discrimination and able to live authentically, they can
contribute more fully to their communities, workplaces, and nation-building efforts. Embracing
diversity and promoting equality benefits everyone and strengthens the fabric of society. We
urge policymakers, lawmakers, and stakeholders to support and prioritize the passage of the
SOGIE Bill, recognizing that it is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive, equitable,
and compassionate society for all Filipinos. It is essential for governments, organizations, and
individuals to work together to ensure that the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community
are respected and upheld.
Nowadays, with the advancement of technology and uprising of human talked turning
into human action, many members of the LGBTQI already pursue to become a good leader in
their community by focusing on their knowledge and skills towards the betterment in their
community. Knowing the struggles and abilities to withhold a community, is already a
battlegrounds for them to understand and qualify them to lead an organization.
Several leaders in the Philippines have expressed support for the SOGIE bill: Geraldine
Roman the first openly transgender woman elected to the Philippine Congress, and has been a
vocal advocate for LGBTQI rights and has expressed strong support for the passage of the
SOGIE Bill. Senator Risa Hontiveros has been a consistent supporter of LGBTQI rights and
has actively campaigned for the passage of the SOGIE Bill in the Philippine Senate. Atty. Chel
Diokno: Human rights lawyer has voiced his support for the SOGIE Bill, emphasizing the
importance of protecting the rights of LGBTQI individuals in the Philippines. Former Vice
President Leni Robredo has publicly expressed her support for the SOGIE Bill, stating that it
is a matter of human rights and equality. And Various Civil Society Organizations: Numerous
civil society organizations and advocacy groups in the Philippines, such as Bahaghari, Ladlad,
and Rainbow Rights, have actively campaigned for the passage of the SOGIE Bill and continue
to work towards advancing LGBTQI rights in the country.
On the statement of Mercy Apurado, officer-in-charge of the DOLE’s Women Workers
Development Division. “The Department of Labor and Employment supports the purpose of
these proposed measures which seek to address all forms of discrimination, marginalization,
and violence on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or sex
characteristics,” therefore, the rights of every individual should be maintain and to navigate a
good marginalized country.
As a learner who supports SOGIE Bill, I recommend to every individual to accept and
embodies the principles of human rights and equality. It seeks to protect individuals from
discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or
expression. By recognizing and affirming the dignity and rights of LGBTQI individuals, the
SOGIE Bill promotes inclusivity, respect, and acceptance within Philippine society. Moreover,
the enactment of the SOGIE Bill sends a powerful message of solidarity and support to
LGBTQI communities, affirming their right to live authentically and free from fear of
discrimination or prejudice. It fosters a culture of diversity, understanding, and tolerance,
paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society for all Filipinos.
In conclusion, the SOGIE Bill represents a critical step towards upholding human
rights, promoting equality, and fostering inclusivity in the Philippines. It is a testament to the
resilience and courage, advocating individuals and ally who have long fought for recognition,
acceptance, and dignity. As we move forward, let us continue to champion the principles of
equality, non-discrimination, and respect for diversity. Let us work together to ensure the
effective implementation and enforcement of the SOGIE Bill, empower LGBTQI
communities, and create a society where every individual can live authentically, proudly, and
without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
The journey towards equality is ongoing, but with dedication, collaboration, and
unwavering commitment, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all Filipinos.