PROS AND CONS – As expected, the Catholic Church welcomed President Duterte’s decision to object to same-sex marriage, although used to support it. For once, bishops agreed with the President.
But then as expected, the LGBT community expressed disappointment and dismay, recalling that even when Duterte was Davao City mayor he was all for same-sex marriage. Why the turnaround?
Can’t really predict the mind of Digong.
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CIVIL UNION – Talked to a lawyer who said those who support same-sex marriage may as well forget their “dream, illusion.” Under no circumstance will same-sex marriage become legal in the Philippines. Very, very few legislators support it, one of them Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, transgender with a Spanish partner.
More feasible, the lawyer said, is the state recognizing civil union between same-sex partners or companions. It’s not marriage, mind you, but just the same they are entitled to tax and other benefits and perks given husband and wife. They can even adopt. Such a bill has much better chances. But same-sex marriage, no way?
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AIZA-LIZA – Wonder how Aiza Seguerra and Liza Diño, ardent Duterte supporters, are taking the President’s turnaround?
The President appointed them to government posts.
They were married a few years back. In fact, Liza uses the surname Seguerra. Of course, their marriage isn’t recognized here. How about the marriage of Perci Intalan and Jun Lana in New York? And that of Jon Santos and a Canadian in San Francisco?
The lawyer earlier reffered to said that perhaps it’s recognized in the US, where same-sex marriage is legal. But not in the Philippines.
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LIVE AND LOVE! – Tempo recently carried the Boracay wedding of top designer Francis Libiran and American businessman Christian Mark Jacobs. Manila Bulletin wrote about Canada-based Filipino couple Jonathan Sac and Kristoffer Flaminiano. They said the fight towards gender equality in the country is, indeed, facing rough sailing, quoting a Roman philosopher: “Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law.”
How well said.
I say: Live and let live! Love and let love!