MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday highlighted the victories that transformed the Philippines into a nation that promotes inclusivity.
As the country marks Pride Month, Duterte said Filipinos should be reminded of the power that love holds over hate, discrimination and indifference toward the LGBTQ+ sector, which she said “had historically been subjected to shame, persecution and inequitable opportunities in life.”
“Over the past many years, we have witnessed how we have become a nation that promotes inclusivity, advances the welfare of disadvantaged sectors and champions the cause for equality,” she said.
“This is a victory for all – not only for those who dreamed of a world without othering – a world where everyone is valued, accepted and empowered, but also for all of us who toppled down the wall that isolated the LGBT sector and deprived them of recognition, respect, acceptance and love,” she added.
Duterte also called on Filipinos to take pride in how the country stood for the cause of the LGBTQ+ sector, “especially those that promote our shared values and aspirations as a democracy.”