The right to marry
Should same-sex marriage be legalized in the Philippines?
I BEG to disagree. Okay naman nâ guro nga gina-recognize ang LGBTQ (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queers) as part sang community. But we should also remember the law of God, that man is meant for woman. – ROSILFA ANDREA MALLADA, student, Janiuay, Iloilo
Religion or culture cannot prevent two people of the same sex to be in a relationship because of compatibility, love and commitment. LGBTQ hopes for liberated and open-minded people to accept them, including in marriage. – ANTHONETTE ACUPINPIN, student, West Visayas State University
Disagree. Biskan ano ka-modern ang society there will be judgment. Para sa akun indi lang ang couple ang ma-suffer kundi ang ila “bata” so better not. – RIZA MAE ESCALERA, teacher, St. Roberts Academy
As a bisexual I agree with same-sex marriage. We are also human beings who need respect and attention. I believe “LOVE conquers ALL.” Let people express themselves as to who they really are. – RUNEL R. CASTRO, LGBTQ supporter, Barangay Tanza Baybay, Iloilo City
As an elder sister who has gay and lesbian siblings, ma-disagree ako. Ginasuportahan ko sila sa ila mga love life pero not with marriage. Indi ko lang sila gusto mahuy-an kag i-judge sang mga mapintas bâbâ. – KHEZIA BALAGOSA, 21, self-employed, Iloilo City
I agree that the same-sex marriage should be legalized in the Philippines. It’s already 2018 and I believe there should be progress in how we view a person. It’s no longer just “man” or “woman” but what the persons choose to be. – KYLIE CALUBA, former call center agent, Jaro, Iloilo City
I don’t agree sa same-sex marriage kay salâ inâ sa panulukan sang Diyos kag sang batas. Nabutang sa Bibliya daan nga ang babaye para lang sa lalaki. Dakô nga salâ ang maghigugma sa isig ya kapareho nga lalaki ukon babaye. – ZELLE BALAYO, 19, student, Banate Iloilo
I believe everyone should have the right to legal union. I know not everyone in the LGBT community feels the need for marriage. But I also believe the Philippines should not discriminate anybody when it comes to happiness. I’ve been at a Pride March and we also had priests marching by our side. In that sense, there shouldn’t be anything holding us back from having same-sex marriage. – RONETTE TEJONES, LGBTQ advocate, Pavia, Iloilo
Section 1, Article III (Bill of Rights) of the 1987 Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws. Let this article do the talking. I do believe that marriage is for everybody, and even the LGBT community deserves it too. – DJ NIKKO, 28, artist, Iloilo City
21st century and still discrimination? For once in your life, can you please stop using your religions against this issue?
There’s nothing wrong in being bisexual or gay. I do believe that marriage is for everybody. Ka-harsh lang ‘bi nga ang mga mango dâ gani nga may mataas nga pwesto sa administrasyon, politiko nga mga buaya, kag Presidente nga walâ breeding, walâ ninyo gina-judge. Then nga-a dapat kame gid hilabtan ‘ya? Pwede grammar kag kabastosan danay ni Mocha Uson? – QUEEN B, 29, bisexual, Iloilo City
For now, no. Kasi karamihan sa mga Filipinos hindi pa tanggap ang LGBT sa lipunan, lalo na sa churches. Much better na instead of legalizing same-sex marriage they should work to make people accept LGBT first. One step at a time, kasi mahirap naman mag-implement ng isang law kung hindi majority of the citizens pumapayag. Para iwas gulo at sakit ng ulo, educate first the people. – JOHN, 21, bisexual, Cebu City
In a country where the number of people identified and grouped as LGBT is increasing, maybe it’s time for same-sex marriage to be legalized. I’m not saying now, but of course, with proper study and its effects to the public. However, I am hoping that this chance will be given to these people who are also hoping to have a family of their own. On the other side, this is best for a country with a rapid population growth. – M. CYRIL, 20, student
(Compiled by Jimboy Dionela and Mariane Camell Braseliño, interns, West Visayas State University – College of Communication)
