Marcos signs order creating 'special committee' on LGBTQIA+

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday signed Executive Order 51, a move that will create the Special Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Affairs.

The order took cues from Section 11, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, a provision which compels the state to "value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights."

E.O. 51 will likewise reinforce the Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP) and reconstitute the Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion.

"[The] creation of the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs under the Inter-Agency Committee aims to strengthen existing mechanisms to address the continued discrvimination being experienced by the members oof the LGBTQIA+ community, and to provide them an avenue to participate in policy formulation of the government despite the absence of an established body specifically dedicated to promote their rights and address their concerns," said the EC.

Marcos earlier this year renewed his support for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ and vowed to protect them against discrimination.

What will the committee do?

The special committee shall have the following powers and functions:

• Ensure that policies, plans and programs that effectively promote equality, equity and non-discrimination, inclusion and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community in all levels are incorporated in the DIP
• Assist the committee on all matters concerning the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes the conduct of review of issuances relative to or affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Coordinate with government agencies to ensure availability of sufficient and reliable data on the status, challenges, and opportunities of the LGBTQIA+ community for evidence-based policy-making.
• Develop a mechanism of continued dialogue between the state and the LGBTQIA+ community on proper planning, implementation, and evaluation of state programs and projects concerning them.
• Facilitate programs and campaigns for the promotion and protection of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in coordination with relevant government agencies.
• Lead in carrying out programs, activities and projects related to the said community that are identified in the DIPm and advocate for the protection of the rights and welfare of the LGBTQIA+, including matters related to healthcare, education, employment, legal recognition and social acceptance.
• Perform other tasks as may be directed by the Committee, President and/or the Executive Secretary.

"The Special Committee shall have a Chairperson with a rank of an Undersecretary, and shall habe three (3) members with the rank of Assistant Secretary, who shall all be appointed by the President from among the members of reputable organizations representing the LGBTQIA+ community," the order read.

"A representative from the [Department of Migrant Workers], [Department of Labor and Employment], and [Department of Education], with a rank not lower than an Assistant Secretary or its equivalent, shall also serve as members of the Special Committee in ex officio capacity."

While Marcos jump started such effort, groups have long clamored for the prioritization of the SOGIESC equality bill — a legislation being pushed to prohibit the discrimination of people's sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.