Robredo commits to protect rights of LGBTQIA+ community, senior citizens

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday signed two covenants—one with the LGBTQIA+ community, the other with senior citizens—detailing her commitment to protect the rights of both groups once elected president of the country.

Robredo's covenant with the LGBTQIA+ community includes the protection of minority sectors, making civil unions possible, making every space a safe space, a country without fear of judgment, the LGBTQIA+ taking up space, an inclusive and accepting society, a country free of discrimination, ending the stigma on HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), empowering the LGBTQIA+ youth, making LGBTQIA+ health a priority, including gender and sexuality 101 in education, and championing the human rights of every person.

The pledge was also signed by Robredo's running mate, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan.

"Sa pagpirma ng covenant na 'to, pinapangako natin na pag tayo ay binigyan ng pagkakataong mamuno, poprotektahan natin, hindi lang 'yong mga sumusuporta sa atin pero pati 'yong mga iba ang paniniwala pagdating sa pulitika, dahil 'yon naman 'yong obligasyon naming mga lingkod-bayan: na pinoprotektahan natin, hindi lang 'yong mga pareho ang paniniwala, hindi lang 'yong pareho ang pinanggalingan, pero 'yong klase ng pamunuan na ating pinapangako na unang-una nakikinig," Robredo said.

"Pangalawa, pamunuan na sinisiguro na 'yong mga naiiwan na sektor sa ating pamahalaan ay nabibigyan ng mas maraming karapatan dahil 'yon 'yong ating mandato na sisiguraduhin 'yong pagkapantay-pantay," she added.

On the same day, the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem also signed a covenant with senior citizens. In her speech at the event, Robredo thanked the audience of seniors for attending and for organizing. "Pinapakita ninyo na hindi nakikita sa edad ang sigasig, at ang lalim at kalakihan ng pagmamahal para sa bayan natin," she said. — BM, GMA News