Senatorial candidate Heidi Mendoza has been a subject of scrutiny recently because of her stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill and same-sex marriage. Her response seemed polite. She said she was “open to listening,” that she “respects love,” and that she would “study the issue more.” But she also said no to same-sex marriage and said, “If the wall is closed, let’s not break it down.”
And once again, the people of diverse SOGIESC were told to wait, and they’ve been waiting for far too long.
The SOGIE Equality Bill was first filed in Congress in 2000, more than 24 years ago. The bill aims to protect Filipinos from discrimination based on their SOGIE. That means preventing situations where someone is fired from their job, denied housing or medical help, bullied in schools, or refused service, simply because of who they are or love.
But the thing is, it’s not just a matter of “romantic relationships” or “labels.” This is a matter of safety and survival.
A 2017 Human Rights Watch report titled “Just Let Us Be” documented widespread bullying and harassment of LGBTQIA+ youth in Philippine schools. The absence of inclusive policies has led to mental health struggles, increased dropout rates, and even self-harm among students. Meanwhile, hate crimes continue to rise. In 2021, trans man Ebeng Mayor was raped and murdered in Quezon City. And this is the reality of being part of the community.
When people say no to same-sex marriage or delay the SOGIE Equality Bill, they are also saying no to security, legal, and emotional support for thousands of families across the country.
Marriage is not just a ceremony. It’s about rights and protection, especially in emergencies. Queer couples, no matter how long they’ve been together, are denied the right to make decisions for each other in medical emergencies, to be recognized as legal next-of-kin, or to access benefits and inheritance. These legal protections should not be exclusive to heterosexual couples.
Even former Vice President Leni Robredo, who also said no to same-sex marriage during her 2022 presidential campaign, still made space for civil unions, acknowledging that equal protection under the law should be afforded to LGBTQIA+ couples. That distinction, saying no to marriage but yes to civil union, is still leagues ahead of simply shutting the door.
So, when a senatorial candidate in 2024 says they need to “study more,” one must ask: how much more studying is needed after more than two decades of hearings, public debates, and surveys?
Filipinos have made it clear. Multiple surveys show overwhelming public support for anti-discrimination measures, but the SOGIE Equality bill continues to stall in Congress. This isn’t just about one individual pushing for or against the bill, it reflects a system designed to preserve power and exclude the marginalized.
So when Mendoza said that let’s not break down the wall, she completely missed the point that the wall is not just closed, it’s pressing down at the expense of people’s basic human rights.
In fact, this wall is reinforced by conservative solons, political dynasties, and big business interests that prioritize preserving their power and influence over supporting marginalized sectors. Conservative politicians, especially the ‘trapo’ political dynasties, have reigned like oligarchs and cling to power only to suppress and control. They thrive alongside big businesses to ensure the policies that favor profit over people. This cycle of injustice fuels an indiscriminate and deliberate exploitation of the most vulnerable, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Senate or any government seat is not a place to protect the status quo. It’s a place to tear down unjust systems and build a better home, one where no Filipino is left outside.
For too long, in every election, the LGBTQIA+ community has always been used as mere props in political campaigns and paraded as entertainers. This 2025, it is time that the LGBTQIA+ community be recognized as a sector with legitimate struggles. The systemic cycle of discrimination that denies not only LGBTQIA+, but also Filipinos-at-large, access and recognition in schools, workplaces, and legal systems needs to end.
If we waited for the “right time” to grant rights, women in the Philippines would still not be voting today. In fact, Filipinas only gained the right to vote in 1937 after years of struggle and it’s because women fought back and demanded change.
Now, Filipino people of diverse SOGIESC are doing the same.
As of 2024, over 35 countries worldwide have legalized same-sex marriage, including Taiwan and Thailand. Meanwhile, the Philippines, which is often celebrated for its queer-friendly culture, still has no national law protecting the community from discrimination. That’s the reality behind the smiles and drag shows, and rainbow flags. The visibility is there, but not the protection.
So again, what are we waiting for?
Leaders are not elected to keep the peace at the cost of justice. They are meant to challenge what is wrong, even when it’s hard, even when it’s unpopular. Because human rights are not a trend, they are a necessity.
The time for studying is over. It’s time to act.
