Isko Moreno signs anti-discrimination ordinance in Manila

The city government of Manila on Thursday passed an anti-discrimination ordinance that penalizes discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) in the city.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed Ordinance No. 8695 or the “Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance of 2020.”

The local law prohibits any act that causes discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queers and intersex in the city of Manila.

Those caught violating the act would be fined up to P3,000 or face imprisonment of up to one year.

In a Facebook Live, Moreno said history has been made as this is the first time that the city’s local legislative body and local chief executive recognized the value and contribution of the LGBT community in arts, business and government.

“Nais namin iparamdam sa inyo na patuloy ang pagkilala at pagkagalang at pag-unawa ng inyong pamahalaang lungsod na dito sa Maynila, walang mahirap, walang middle class, walang mayaman, walang bakla, walang tomboy, walang lalaki, walang babae. Lahat ay mamamayan ng lungsod ng Maynila. Sa Maynila, pantay-pantay,” Moreno said.

"Ngayon, magiging opisyal na, mapapanagot na natin ang mga indibidwal na mababaw ang pang-unawa sa ating mga kapwa batang Maynila. No harm will come to you while I’m mayor of Manila,” he added.

Under the ordinance, a Manila Gender Sensitivity and Development Council would also be created to oversee the implementation of the local law and integrate programs for the LGBTQI community.

Moreover, every barangay in the city is also mandated to establish an LGBTQI desk which will receive complaints for violation of the ordinance. — RSJ, GMA News