FILE

Representatives Brian Poe, Javi Benitez, and Ryan Recto have officially filed the SOGIESC Equality Bill, a measure that seeks to end discrimination and guarantee equal protection under the law for every Filipino, regardless of identity or background.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers emphasized the bill’s core message of fairness and inclusion.

“Layunin ng panukalang batas na ito na tigilan ang diskriminasyon at tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipino, anuman ang pinagmulan o pagkakakilanlan, ay pantay-pantay sa harap ng batas,” they said.

The legislators described the proposal as a step toward justice for Filipinos who continue to experience discrimination.

“Mga Ka-Panday, isa itong hakbang para mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga kababayan nating nakakaranas ng diskriminasyon,” they added.

While the measure is still a proposed law, it forms part of the continuing push in Congress to pass a national framework that protects individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

If enacted, the bill aims to strengthen equality and human rights protections, fostering what the lawmakers call a “more inclusive Philippines where no one is left behind.”