MANILA, Philippines— At least 15 of the 24 senators will vote against the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (Sogie) Equality bill, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III claimed on Monday. The Senate leader was joined by Senator Joel Villanueva and father, House Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva, and various civic leaders and religious groups opposing the Sogie bill. “All Filipinos and everyone in the Philippines are equally protected by equal rights and all the rights that are given any individual in the Philippines,” Sotto went on. “A great majority, not only 13,” he said, “At least 15 and counting.”While they are opposing the bill, Representative Villanueva said they have no “hatred” against members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community. Like Sotto, however, Representative Villanueva believes there is no need for Sogie bill since it is already redundant with existing laws./acRead NextLATEST STORIESMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 30, 2019 07:24 UTC