Duterte supports LGBTQ+, Palace says

August 15, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte supports the right of the LGBTQ+ community, Malacanang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reiterated Duterte's position regarding the LGBTQ+ after transgender woman Gretchen Custodio Diez was barred from using the women's comfort room at a mall in Quezon City last August 13.

"I remember the President expressed support for the LGBT one time," he said in a press briefing.

He said the Palace has respect for the LGBTQ+ community.

The recent incident has prompted some lawmakers and other quarters to call for the immediate passage of the sexual orientation, gender identity and expression bill pending in Congress.

Panelo could not say yet if Duterte would certify as urgent he passage of the proposed measure.

But Panelo said, "I think he will support that kind. He always wants fair treatment to all."

Panelo, also the chief presidential legal counsel, said since there is an existing ordinance in Quezon City pertaining to the LGBTQ+, what the mall did against Diez could be a violation.

Quezon City has a Gender Fair Ordinance, which requires all establishments, whether government or private, should have "all-gender" toilets. Celerina Monte/DMS