Ang Ladlad endorses 'NoyBi'

MANILA, Philippines - With barely a month’s time left in the campaign season, Ang Ladlad party list courts controversy by formally endorsing the candidacy of “NoyBi,” Liberal Party standard bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino vice presidential bet Jejomar “Jojo” Binay.

“ Ang Ladlad Party List chose Sen. Noynoy Aquino as its presidentiable bet,” stressed Danton Remoto, the group’s chairman.

Remoto added that Aquino is Mr. Clean of Philippine politics, stressing that the group believes it is unlikely for Aquino to do anything to dishonor his parents Sen. Ninoy and President Cory.

“Walang bahid, walang mantsa. Hindi na kailangan magkuskus at magkula pa,” continued Remoto.

As for Makati City Mayor Jojo Binay, Remoto explained the city executive succeeded in managing the country’s financial capital as proof of this is rather obvious.

“He is a good executive, and he seems to have a concrete program for the poor. He was a human rights lawyer during the time of the dictatorship,” he said quoting Binay’s familiar campaign line, “sa Makati, may eskwelahan, ospital, may health center, may trabaho, at hindi pa dinededma ang mga senior citizens. Saan ka pa lulugar?”

Remoto also presented the Ang Ladlad Party List nominees for representative at the Lower House, although none of them were present as they went separately in the campaign trail.

The Supreme Court decided with finality on the accreditation of Ang Ladlad on April 8, barely a month before the May 10 national elections.

“This decision is a big boost to our campaign since it has given legitimacy to our expressed purpose of running for the elections. We’re no longer Ang Laglag, Ladlad na po kami,” explained Remoto. 

He said Ang Ladlad’s foremost advocacy is equal rights for all, stressing that more often than not gays and lesbians do not get equal protection as guaranteed by Constitution. He added that the group intends to file the anti-discrimination bill once given the opportunity to do so at the Lower House.

Other programs in the Ang Ladlad Party List platform are micro-financing assistance for underprivileged and disabled gays and lesbians and retirement centers for the aged with legal aid, counseling and other amenities.