MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Two Philippine Senators on opposite sides of the aisle have come together to try to pass a string and truly effective Bill — SOGIE.
SOGIE, of course is the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression bill which seeks to protect members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) from discriminatory acts, similar to what happened with transgender woman Gretchen Custodio Diez. Diez was prevented from using the ladies’ restroom at a shopping mall in Cubao, Quezon City. A video tape of her encounter with a mall janitress and security guard has gone viral and has generated an emotional public outcry from both LGBT supporters and critics.
It is a known fact that Pacquiao is not a fan of the homosexual lifestyle, often invoking the bible to justify his stance. Hontiveros, on the other hand, is seen as an advocate pf LGBT rights.
In the interest of national unity, Pacquiao promised to fully support Hontiveros’ SOGIE bill with one amendment: to ban all urinals in public restrooms throughout the country.
The champion boxer-turned-Senator told The Adobo Chronicles that if we eliminated the one cause of the controversy — the male urinals — then the problem will be solved. “One for all, all for one,” he said about just maintaining toilet stalls with doors and locksmon public restrooms.
“This is true equality,” Pacquiao added.