Pacman still draws flak on statement vs LGBT
Despite his apology on his statement against members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community, Sarang- gani Representative Manny Pacquiao continues to draw flak, including from archrival Floyd Mayweather.
“We should let people live their lives the way they want to live their lives. To each his own,” Mayweather said. (See related story in SPORTS section).
In Cebu City, Councilor Alvin Dizon, author of the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance, criticized Pacquiao for the “inappropriate and uncalled for” statement.
“He had inflicted emotional, social and psychological damages to LBGT sector. The damage has been done,” Dizon said.
He said that Pacquiao, a Christian, should instead promote “equality and respect for diversity.”
Also reacting to Pacquiao’s statement is Barangay Tejero councilman Garry Lao who aims at carrying the voice of the LGBT community at the City Council.
“I understand if Mr. Pacquiao is not in favor of same sex marriage because he is entitled to his opinion, but to compare the LGBT to animals is another thing. The LGBT sector is part of the community and contributed a lot in many aspects. We cannot forever turn a blind eye on them,” Lao told The FREEMAN.
It was in an interview for Bilang Pilipino, the election coverage of TV5 and The STAR, when Pacquiao made the statement.
“Common sense lang. Makakakita ka ba ng any animals na lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae? Mas mabuti pa yung hayop. Marunong kumilala kung lalaki, lalaki, o babae, babae. Kung lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae, eh mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao,” he said.
Monsignor Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said he does not know the context of Pacquiao’s statement but reminded that the manner by which one channels his or thoughts matters if only to promote respect.
“I think we should maintain the use of politically correct language as a sign of respect for others even if we disagree with them in terms of opinion or lifestyle,” Tan said.
Vice President Jejomar Binay whose party, the United Nationalist Alliance, Pacquiao is running under for senator said he will follow the position of the Catholic Church on issues involving the LGBT community.
“We’ll have to go back to who Manny is now. He is very faithful,” Binay said in Filipino.
“On my part, I will abide and follow the position of the Catholic Church on that matter,” he added.
Pacquiao also stood firm on his stand against same-sex marriage.
“Nais ko pong humingi ng paumanhin sa mga nasaktan ko sa pagkumpara sa tao sa hayop ( I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals),” he said in a video posted on his Facebook page.
He said he stands firm on his belief because this was what the Bible taught.
“I still stand on my belief that I’m against same sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I’m not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God bless you all and I’m praying for you,” Pacquiao said.
UNA spokesperson Mon Ilagan said yesterday that the party has yet to come up with an official position on legislation such as same-sex marriage and the anti-discrimination bill. He said they would adhere to the position of Binay. While expressing support on the position of the Church against same-sex marriage, Binay earlier told The STAR reporters and editors that he will push for the passage of antidiscrimination measures pending in Congress.
ORDINANCE
Yesterday, Dizon said it is about time for Cebu City to implement its anti-discrimination ordinance fully.
“This is the best opportunity to highlight the issues on discrimination and implement the law for their protection and welfare,” he said.
The anti-discrimination ordinance was passed in 2012, the first in the Philippines, but the commission mandated to enforce it is yet to be convened.
The commission is supposed to be composed of the mayor, members from LGBT sector, civil society, and appointed executive director. It is responsible for the creation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations to enforce the ordinance effectively. It has an annual appropriation of P2 million.
The “landmark” ordinance prohibits “excluding, refusing or dismissing any person from public programs and services and educational institutions on the basis of disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and religion.”
First-time offenders will be fined P1,000 or imprisoned for one day to 30 days. Second-time offenders will face a fine of P3,000 or suffer imprisonment of one day to 30 days or both at the discretion of the court. For successive offenses, violators will be fined P5,000 or be imprisoned for one day to 30 days or face both at the discretion of the court.
Just last week, Mandaue City Council also passed a comprehensive ordinance for LGBT – the Anti-Discriminatory Ordinance for People of Diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE).