Gays, lesbians can join police force

Incoming Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay sees nothing wrong with gays joining the police force as long as they comply with the academic and physical requirements.

"As long as they pass and comply with the necessary requirements, there are no rules preventing them from joining the police force," he said. "That’s the same with the AFP."

Aspiring policemen and policewomen must meet the physical endurance test and academic requirements mandated by Republic Act 8551, the PNP law, said Aglipay, PNP deputy chief for administration, and commander of the Anti-Drugs Task Force.

Under the law, medical professionals, lawyers and engineers joining the PNP will be given the rank of senior inspector.

All those joining the police force must at least be a college graduate.

Party-list Rep. Loreta Ann Rosales has filed House Bill 635, which seeks to penalize discrimination based on sex or sexual orientation, and gender identity whether actual or perceived.

The bill seeks to "totally eradicate" all forms of discrimination against gays, she added. — Christina Mendez