Nov
13

On Comelec and Ang Ladlad

Issues, Migs Speaks Entry Feed Trackback

Plastered all around the gay blogosphere, even in straight-dominated media, the issue on Comelec’s rejection of Ang Ladlad’s party-list accreditation. For those who do not know, Ang Ladlad is a political group (predominantly LGBT) led by Danton Remoto. Ang Ladlad claims that the organization’s thrust is toward human rights, and the organization is fighting for equal rights among all Filipinos, whether they are LGBT or not. On November 11, 2009, Comelec through its Second Division Head Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer and with Commissioners Elias Yusoph and Lucenito Tagle, issued an eight-page resolution explaining the said accreditation failure.

The resolution said Ang Ladlad’s petition “must fail” despite the group’s fulfillment of poll requirements, because the practice of homosexuality offends morals. Quoting Inquirer.net’s report:

Citing the teachings of Lehman Strauss, an American Bible teacher, the Comelec said the principles of Ang Ladlad were a threat to young Filipinos. “Should this commission grant the petition, we will be exposing our youth to an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith,” the resolution said. “As an agency of the government, ours too is the state’s avowed duty under Section 13, Article II of the Constitution, to protect our youth from moral and spiritual degradation,” it added.

This angered a lot of LGBT folks I know, including close blogger friends. I saw a lot of expressions of deep anger in blogs and in twitter postings, and I reckon there will be more to come in the next few days. Danton Remoto, Ang Ladlad’s leader shot back with the following (from a Newsbreak report):

“This is a decision by a very old man with obsolete ideas on homosexuality. They quoted something from the Internet, and did not even visit the library to research. This is an evidence of intellectual bankruptcy,” he said, adding that Comelec did not arbitrate based on evidence and documents, but just quoted verses from the Bible.

* * *

While Danton Remoto is an acquaintance (the Fabcasters have interviewed him in one of our podcasts), I know very little about the man and his intentions. We’ve sat together in one coffee conversation, and shared a couple of text messages, and those opportunities gave me positive impressions of him. But that’s about it. I know him too little to be really rooting for him But, this issue, in my opinion goes beyond Remoto and Ang Ladlad, the political party.

I understand why a lot of my fellow gay men, my friends, felt what they felt. In fact, when I first read the news stories about it, I myself felt anger simmering from my core. Not because Comelec rejected Remoto, or Ang Ladlad; not even because it would mean no official gay representation in the Congress (oh believe me, we’re everywhere — besides, it’s still debatable whether or not we really need official representation as a sector). As I reflected on how I reacted to this, I noticed that I am actually reacting to the explanation provided by Comelec’s Nicodemo Ferrer, etal. It attacks my core. It’s telling me that I am immoral, that as a gay man, my so-called homosexual behaviors are a threat to society’s moral fibers. That my love for someone of the same sex means I contribute to the youth’s moral and spiritual degradation. For a minute I was angry. But I thought, how can I best channel this emotion?

That is when I thought, perhaps I should not do what common sense dictates. Remoto did what he is expected to do as Ang Ladlad’s leader: to defend his party and his people. How? By calling the Comelec Commissioners “very old men with obsolete ideas.” Was he correct in his response? Maybe. Was he effective in his response? I doubt it.

* * *

I would, in Remoto’s shoes, go in a different direction. The commissioners are the decision makers, and regardless of who they are and what decisions they have made in the past, I respect the fact that they are authority. If the decision they make goes against my interests, while naturally I can resist and defend, I thought perhaps I can do more, in fact, I can do something else, something quite different. Something like, come in with questions rather than with defensive attacks, or similarly wounding statements. When the commissioners tell me “You’re immoral!” instead of shooting back with “You’re very old, with obsolete ideas!” I would pause a bit and respond with, “Commissioner, I wonder what you actually mean by that, ‘You’re immoral’. Tell me more.” I will come in with questions so that he can really be given a chance to articulate not just his thoughts but also his feelings.

No, I’m not prescribing a technique, but really, expressing a real desire to understand what these decision makers have in their heart and mind. To put myself in their shoes, and see, feel, taste their realities. It would be very hard, I know, but that, in my mind, can give me that all-important context with which their decision was made.

* * *

Obviously, I’m taking this issue very personally.

* * *

I really want to understand why they say that my life is a danger to society’s morality. Perhaps you’d think I’m a dreamer, and an idealist, but really, I want to understand. It is easier to fight back. It is easier to counter an insult with another, more witty and more wounding insult, but my core says it will not lead anywhere. It says I should keep on connecting with the other side so I can attend to what hurts inside.

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39 Comments So Far

  1. Korek teh. We should try having a dialogue with the Comelec. Malay natin, baka pwede nang mabago ang isip nila.

    ming at Nov 13, 09 at 4:06 pm

  2. I believe that there are times when it is better to bite your tongue and take the diplomatic approach. Is this the right tack in this situation? I don’t think so. We must remember that this is the 2nd time that Ang Ladlad’s petition has been denied. So much has time has already been spent talking.

    As you have mentioned, this is beyond Ang Ladlad. In the same manner, this is beyond the Comelec or the 3 commisioners. So, asking them about their thoughts and feelings won’t mean much.

    Indeed, we should all be taking this personally. We should be asking ourselves? In light of this hurtful words, what do we do? Where do we channel these frustrations? What are the next steps?

    vaklavulary at Nov 13, 09 at 4:08 pm

  3. [...] On Comelec and Ang Ladlad (Manila Gay Guy) No tags for this post. Filed Under Advocacy, Politics, Society [...]

    Oppose COMELEC, Support the Ang Ladlad Movement « Filipino Voices at Nov 13, 09 at 4:23 pm

  4. fuck senile backstabbers and their take on equality, politics, and religion

    truxite at Nov 13, 09 at 4:51 pm

  5. Nakakagalit, at nakakalungkot ang resolusyong ito ng COMELEC.

    Rhodge at Nov 13, 09 at 5:16 pm

  6. Without any question, COMELEC’s resolution was an evidence of intellectual bankruptcy.

    blue_blood at Nov 13, 09 at 5:22 pm

  7. “besides, it’s still debatable whether or not we really need official representation as a sector”

    Therein lies my reservations about Ladlad. Since it seems to have identified itself primarily as a Gay Party List, that automatically makes it a special-interest group. I’m not surprised at the Comelec’s rejection, and neither would I be surprised if the general populace gave a big hue and cry over what, to them, may easily appear to be a bunch of noisy homosexuals pushing their selfish agenda while everyone else is still railing against poverty and unemployment and all the other perennial ills of our society.

    Let me be clear : I strongly disagree with Comelec’s dismissal of Ladlad on the basis of “immorality.” Clearly it is a pot calling the kettle black scenario. Their reasoning is flimsy at best, oppressive at worst. But perhaps there’s the rub: that Ladlad fights to be recognized precisely because certain sectors of society still treat openly-gay homosexuals as third-class citizens and threats to all that is good, true, and just about the heterosexual society at large.

    I have no easy answers. Perhaps Ladlad’s timing is unfortunate: we are in dire need of genuine change and people’s minds are concentrated on removing the incumbent from office and repairing the moral and financial damage her administration has wrought. Against that sweeping backdrop, the needs of some noisy homosexuals would certainly seem petty and flighty.

    Let the shitstorm begin.

    rudeboy at Nov 13, 09 at 5:30 pm

  8. In the US, President Obama just signed the Matthew Shepard Act, or the hate crime against LGBT, into law on October 28, 2009. Tapos dito sa Pilipinas, hanggang ngayon, ganito pa rin kakitid ang kaisipan ng mga pinuno natin?

    What struck me the hardest was COMELEC’s ancient convictions that homosexuals are immoral, threat to the youth, and contradict the teachings of our faith. Ano pa nga ba ibig sabihin nila sa mga sinabi nilang to?:

    “Citing the teachings of Lehman Strauss, an American Bible teacher, the Comelec said the principles of Ang Ladlad were a threat to young Filipinos. “Should this commission grant the petition, we will be exposing our youth to an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith,” the resolution said. “As an agency of the government, ours too is the state’s avowed duty under Section 13, Article II of the Constitution, to protect our youth from moral and spiritual degradation,” it added.”

    Their understanding of the “teachings of our faith” is nothing short of superficial!!!

    I am 20 and I am part of the youth. I am so enraged that they believe I am a threat to my fellas. In what way do I become a threat to the people my age? I do not harm them. I do not encourage them to do something against their will. I do not influence them to become bad or whatever! I do not do drugs. I do not kill my own kind! I am just like any normal human being on this planet who is attracted to normal people! What the heck is wrong with these people who are very much sexual-orientation biased? If we ponder on this, their really is nothing immoral if we are gay or lesbian. Even if the bible says it is bad, that it contradicts to its teachings that females are only meant for males and the other way around, at the end of the day, hanggang doon lang naman eh, kontra sa kung ano ang sinasabi ng bibliya pero kung iisipin wala naman talagang masama sa pagiging ganito. Ano ba! Hello? Ang masama ang pumatay, magnakaw, etc.–ang mga ito ang mga bagay na everyone of us would agree na immoral nga! Kaya nagiging, sa paniniwala ng iba, imoral ito kasi sa maling interpretasyon sa bibliya!

    We do not decide on or choose our sexual orientation but by the time we kill, we commit adultery, we steal, that’s a totally different story. When we commit immoral things, we do them voluntarily, with purpose and I say they are but unwise decisions.

    damncomelec at Nov 13, 09 at 5:57 pm

  9. Sir, this has nothing to do with the above issue. Just thinking if you had already featured Justine Ferrer here or will you? She/He is a great pride of our “community” and an exceptional example of a Filipino gay who has dignity and goes with good morals. Thanks! :)

    Jobless at Nov 14, 09 at 1:13 am

  10. if someone could challenge this decision in the supreme court, and invoke their power of judicial review for grave abuse of discretion on the basis of separation of church and state, bill of rights, and the party list law, i’m quite sure the Comelec will be struck down in no time.

    bC at Nov 14, 09 at 2:08 am

  11. Boy Abunda should run for senate so we can have a voice in the senate. fcuk the congress

    khri sy at Nov 14, 09 at 3:24 am

  12. article 2 section 6 of the philippine constitution says “The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.”

    article 2 section 1 of the phillipine consitution says “Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.”

    quoting something from an american bible teacher is a clear violation of this, seperation of church and state, hello?!?!?! american?!?!?! naman comelec, isang malaking question mark.

    brat at Nov 14, 09 at 4:18 am

  13. Lets go out and show them what we got!

    dodo at Nov 14, 09 at 4:22 am

  14. Partylists, in the first place, are supposed to represent marginalized sectors in society, NOT THE MAJORITY. Duh, goddamn it. Some people need to review their basic laws and constitutions! Tiyaka hiwalay na nga ang simbahan at pamahalaan sa ating Demokratikong republikanong estado e.

    Burlanhagi at Nov 14, 09 at 5:15 am

  15. FYI Justine Ferrer is not gay. She is a transgendered woman. @Jobless

    tsk at Nov 14, 09 at 5:31 am

  16. Haha…just unfuckingbelievable…. let the youth grow older and lead the country and older people in office die…( i know very sadistic)! But if we let the church influence our progress as a society in mostly, then shouldn’t we draw the line between it and the government that’s truly there to serve us (not really happening)?
    We boast of our country being the only predominantly christian nation in Asia (not anymore, see East Timor) and the truth is, it is just a fun fact… Maybe it’s not a fun fact anymore since our faith is always connected to our feelings and opinions which are translated to actions, so everything is faith-based. See what happened!

    The Don at Nov 14, 09 at 6:09 am

  17. Gays = Immoral and Comelec = Moral? The height of hypocrisy!

    Jr Martillo at Nov 14, 09 at 12:07 pm

  18. Kelan ba ang next Pride Parade sa Pilipinas? Come on guys… kelangan atang i-remind ang mga officials ng government na public SERVANT sila.

    Fritz at Nov 14, 09 at 12:23 pm

  19. Migs for President na!

    theangelwithfuchsiawings at Nov 14, 09 at 12:27 pm

  20. Bakit naman may resentment ka na nasabing obsolete ideas nila?

    Bukod naman sa pagtawag na old men with obsolete ideas, Migs, may gagawin pa naman ang Ang Ladlad. This morning, may meeting sila sa UP, ibubuo pa ang tugon sa mga pangyayari–i.e., response to Comelec, challenge the resolution.

    J at Nov 14, 09 at 12:46 pm

  21. Personally nakaka-panginig laman what the 3 commissioner words threw about Ang Ladlad and to the whole Filipino LGTB Community. Kailan ba naging immoral at naging masamang halimbawa ang pagiging part ng LGTB Community? Hindi rin naman natin kasalan na dumarami tayo ngayon. “Mind your own life” ika nga – kung gusto mong magpaka-bakla edi go, kung gusto mong magpaka-tomboy edi go din. Like what damncomelec said matuturing lang na immoral ang mga LGTB once na makagawa ng di magand (i.e. magnakaw, pumatay, etc.) Tingin ko tuloy sa COMELEC ngayon parang isang templo na – binase nila yung final decision sa salita ng Bible/Koran. Diba hiwalay ang desisyon ng ating pamahalaan sa simbahan, pero anong ginawa ng COMELEC? Akala ko dati tanggap na ng tuluyan ng society mga LGTB but mali pala ako. Dapat rin ang COMELEC ang isa sa mga nag bibigay ng demokrasya for everyone. I’m 18 yrs old. Yung mga developed countries like U.S. pinahahalagahan nila ang mga LGTB. Sabagay di pa masyadong develop mga utak ng Government Officilas natin. Hello Philippine Government? 21st Century na. Oo Free Country rin tayo pero sana one day dumating yung time totally na humiwalay na ang pamahalaan sa simbahan pag dating sa mga social matters. Tignan natin this coming 2010 Election kung sino sa mga running Presidentialble/Senetorialble ang makakagawa na ipagtanggol at tulungan mga Filipino LGTB sa unang pagkakataon. Just my opinion. Ayaw kong manahimik lang sa isang tabi.

    poorcomelec at Nov 14, 09 at 3:26 pm

  22. This is so disappointing.

    Its clearly a wake up call for the gay community in the Philippines. We should be channeling our time and effort into advocacy – fighting for our rights.

    We are resourceful by nature. I believe we can reverse this trend if we wanted to. The problem is: are people willing to put in the time to do it? Owners of popular gay bars and influential gay celebrities should also be helping advocate our right as a way to give back to the gay community.

    We cannot just leave it up to few people like Remoto to fight for us.

    If we want equal rights, we have to fight for it. Don’t expect they’ll hand it down to us just be seating and watching.

    misc at Nov 15, 09 at 1:46 am

  23. Mga ditche at ateh sa kongreso’t senado, past and present, nasan na kayo mga diwata? As in all things in this country, kami na nasa jibaba, mejo limited lang ang magagawa (uy, nag-rhyme, winnerrrr!)

    Di naman kelangan magsuot ng jewelled headband habang nagbibigay ng taliwas na opinyon sa ipinataw ng Comelec, pero jozkoh, ang mga wand ninyo mga ditche baka mawalan na yan ng ningning pag di kayo nagreact kahit na taas-kilay effect bah. Humingi ng technique ke PN if in doubt. ;)

    Elsewise, tutal me ilang panahon pa para magfile ng kandidatura ang sangkatauhan. Baka nga ang solusyon sa representasyon ay magluklok ng isang fabulosang joza (segue na yan para sa yo, tito bhoy)

    v at Nov 15, 09 at 10:28 am

  24. I think its about time that one person should stand for the rest of us. – lets reach out and support for the good of all (PLU). We should not stop and keep on fighting for the equality

    Kabul Guy at Nov 15, 09 at 1:28 pm

  25. In war and in life, you can always accept defeat, move back and think of a better strategy to fight back. Be a good general.

    weng at Nov 15, 09 at 5:31 pm

  26. Constitution, how do I violate thee? Let me count the ways…:

    Article II, Section 6: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

    Article II, Section 11: The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

    Article II, Section 26: The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service.

    Article III, Section 5: No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

    Article XIII, Sec 16: The right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall not be abridged.

    velocitrapdoor at Nov 15, 09 at 10:00 pm

  27. IMMORAL???

    TELL THAT TO THE FORMER PRESIDENT OF THIS DECAYING COUNTRY! HE HAD DOZENS OF WIVES AND NO ONE IN COMELEC THOUGHT IT WAS IMMORAL…

    THE BIBLE HAS A LOT OF QUOTATIONS, SO TO SPEAK, ABOUT ADULTERY

    DARN!!!!! i’M ANGERED!!! grrrr

    PATCH at Nov 15, 09 at 11:36 pm

  28. Nakakalungkot pero ito ang problema sa mga bakla na gusto pang sumuso ng uten ng Diyos nila. Tama ang Comelec! The Bible says that homosexuality is IMMORAL! There is no other way to look at it. No matter how much LGBTs believe in how good their God is. The fact is that every Abrahamic religion considers them to be abhorrent. But dont worry..coz believe it or not, that is the good news. It should finally shock them back into their senses and away from their self-defeating beliefs.

    THERE IS NO GOD!!!!! Enjoy being as you are without ever having to justify yourself to a non-existent sky fairy bitch.

    As for the COMELEC, the best way is to press on with a Supreme Court action so it can shove (hopefully) the constitution down the COMELEC’s throat.

    Go LADLAD! http://filipinofreethinkers.org/

    chickstirfry at Nov 16, 09 at 6:09 am

  29. my goodness what particular time on earth that the mindset of those bullshit politicians will change toward LGBTs…it is not like we just want to epal in the congress in making law, epal in participating social issues..it is about we are offering what help we could share for the betterment of the society…gender issues, human right violation, sex education, aids rates have been serious problem that they “fucking themselves” cannot resolves. We are not going to participate in their ‘under the table business and laws’ they can have all that and that’s thier forte….fuck the guidelines that the COMELEC has in approving or not a particular partylist, i think, is unconstitutional….they depriving potential partylist…why not let the people judge…COMELEC sucks…anyway even simple counting they cannot make accurate…how could they capable to make a prudent, justified and fair desicion with the matter…GO LADLAD!!!!

    mojojojo at Nov 16, 09 at 9:54 am

  30. hmm…ganyan talaga buhay :D

    julius at Nov 16, 09 at 2:46 pm

  31. immorality, per se, is a broad subject. What specific basis do the comelec have in ruling out that ladlad will promote immorality and ruin the moral fibers of our society specially our youth? The most logical thing to do is lodge a petition to the supreme court questioning said decision since this is a matter involving legalities. And on a personal note, only god is the sole judge whether we are moral or immoral. Comelec through their commissioners expressed an opinion which is against the universal law on humanity, the exercise of equal rights.

    prince at Nov 17, 09 at 8:33 am

  32. Let’s a campaign to have Boy Abunda, Vice Ganda, and all other high profile gays and lesbians as senatorial candidates

    Do not underestimate them. They are smart, caring, and know a lot more than most of the current politicos and can do a lot to help EVERY Filipino, straight or gay

    Eric at Nov 17, 09 at 10:48 am

  33. I know this is not the appropriate forum but I would like to know if there is any organization that helps youths confused and troubled by their sexuality.

    My cousin just turned 16, a high school senior, and confessed to me that he is gay. He is scared because of very strict parents and older siblings.

    He also confessed to me that just a few weeks before he turned 16, he slept with an older, married guy and they had gay sex.

    I want to know if there is any group that could help him. Of course, it has to be totally confidential.

    Just post the name of the group(s) or organization(s) here.

    By the way, I came across this site when I Googled Comelec and Ang Ladlad….

    Thanks for your understanding

    Andrew

    Andrew W at Nov 17, 09 at 11:09 am

  34. Ay naku!!! correct kayo lahat.
    it is so kadiri of that Ferrer to even say apologies he will never do. Maski pa mag tralala si Atty. Rene Sagisag. Ipokrito itong Ferer to even say fully represented daw ang gays sa senado. Dyos ko day
    balak pa iladlal mga kapa ng senadogays at congressgays. Ano ba talaga Nico deariiee, Ayaw mo naman e out ang mga kafatis sa congress. At bakit alam nitong ferrer ang mga gays sa congress.
    Ano kaya It takes one daw to know one, o baka nman sa mukha nya mula nh bata wala pumansin ni isang bading sa life nya. Sya he was over heard in his chamber laughing daw at isang presidential candidate from senate at vise nito na bago lang nagasawa pag nanalo tyak di na raw marginalized ang gays, Ano ba naman timang ferer, Di mo matawg na gays si noynoy at mar ano????
    Manash GAY sa tunay na kahulugan ay Good As You,
    Baka itong ferrer ay may mga kamaganak na immoral na bading, Susumaryosep. What is new sa takbo ng utak ng mga Comelec daya ni ferrer.
    Sigue na nga LADLAD na nila

    huges at Nov 20, 09 at 1:33 am

  35. The next gay pride is on Dec 5 in Malate.

    It is very disheartening to hear about the Comelec’s decision. I felt as if I was personally rejected by the country I love so much.

    I hope to see each and everyone of you on Dec 5 in Malate. Its time we make a stand.

    Martin at Nov 20, 09 at 7:26 pm

  36. Hey Andrew,

    I’d give you my email address only that this is a public forum. Haha Don’t worry about your cousin. Every gay man has found his own way. All he needs is someone he can talk to and that can very well be you. Tell him to log on to mirc (undernet) and go to the chatroom called #bi-manila. There are a lot of perverts there, but there are a number of decent people too. What’s nice about chatting is that everything can be kept anonymous.

    Its ok to be gay Andrew ;)

    Martin at Nov 20, 09 at 7:39 pm

  37. Comelec, a theocratic court

    BACKBENCHER

    Rod. P. Kapunan

    11/21/2009

    The commissioners of the 2nd Division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), namely Nicodemo Ferrer, Lucenito Tagle and Elias Yusoph, effected acted as a theocratic court. Their resolution denying the petition for accreditation of Ang Ladlad as party-list ominously was no different from the all-powerful curia of the Middle Ages where, instead of seeking to ensure the representation of the people with varied interests, were more of inquisitors whose decisions were based on their obscurantist view of morality.

    The resolution was funny, as it smacked of condemning one of witchcraft that in the olden times could cause the accused his life with no way for him to rebut or dispute. By prejudging Ang Ladlad, headed by its president Danton Remoto, as immoral or wanting to propagate immorality, Ferrer, Tagle and Yusoph cast public fear that the nation is headed back in time when what one thinks of the accused would be enough to condemn him.

    I am inclined to believe something is terribly wrong with these people in the Comelec for denying the petition simply because the party represents the homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders, and not on the basis that they are humans beings and citizens who are made to pay taxes and obligated to serve and die for this country. Instead of coming out with specific provisions of the law, these modern-day Torquemadas and a mullah came out with a fiendish decision based on a perceived immorality, not a committed immorality.

    Worse, these bigots do not have the moral and legal right to deny Ang Ladlad’s petition all for that reasoning that it does not conform to our Catholic faith. It was they who violated the constitutional provision of Church and State separation, even forgetting that we do not have a state religion. This country has long discarded the Catholic Church as our state religion, and surely they offended the rights of other religions.

    The three commissioners quoted the Holy Bible — Romans 1:26-27 — and the Koran when in truth they do not constitute as legal basis in our present-day secular state. But even with that pathetic argument, the commissioners forgot that homosexuals, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders, just like those born with physical and mental handicap, are part of God’s creation. God can never be wrong in creating them because there is in Him the wisdom He made each and every one of us unique in every way, which wisdom is beyond any mortal’s comprehension. With that lousy decision, by implication, the Comelec is saying that God committed a mistake, and by quoting Him, they now claim to be more knowledgeable than the Almighty.

    The Comelec commissioners must bear in mind that which happened to these gentle people of the third sex is not of their own making. They were born with sexual imperfections which nobody has the right to say, as by birthright, immoral or criminal. For that imperfection caused by human genetics, they cannot be judged on that basis alone. When the commissioners cited Article 694 of the Civil Code, they only exposed themselves as utterly ignorant. At the outset they failed to comprehend that the premise of the petition is to seek representation and the accreditation of their party to protect their rights, and not to spread immorality.

    It was the commissioners, blinded by bigotry who had malice by alleging that Ang Ladlad wants to spread immorality in an otherwise honest declaration by its members as belonging to the third sex. The Filipino word “ladlad” means to openly and honestly declare oneself as himself. Anybody in his right mind would certainly appreciate the members for being honest in seeking to be integrated into the mainstream of our society, and not for anybody to treat them as social lepers.

    How could the commissioners take that arrogant stance of not compromising the wellbeing of our youth when to declare one a nuisance that condition must be the result of an act or omission committed by man, and not by one who has not done anything to impair the sensibilities of the hypocrites? They put premium to their ignorance when they cited 1306 of the Civil Code forgetting that the issue is not about a contract, but the representation of a particular group of people who are also law abiding citizens of this country. Nothing in their objective is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order and policy to warrant its denial on the basis of a contract, except for their demand that the third sex be represented.

    Besides, it is worthwhile to remind these hypocrites that the country that introduced Catholicism here had long buried its history of bloody fascism. Today, Spain is ruled by democratically-elected and open-minded liberals and socialists who know how to respect the rights and dignity of every human being. Spain even enacted gay and lesbian marriages, granted divorce and many other laws abhorred during time of Generalissimo Franco. The openness of Spain did not in anyway lessen the people’s faith on their religion, but has been strengthened by it.

    The same can be said of the land where the papacy is seated. Liberalism has long overwhelmed the Italians, but it did not diminish their faith in God nor did they exchange their religion in favor of atheism. For that they achieved progress because they now have leaders with progressive ideas interacting in a society that is increasingly becoming heterogeneous.

    (E-mail: rodkap@yahoo.com.ph)

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    BACKBENCHER
    Comelec, a theocratic court

    Comelec, a theocratic court

    BACKBENCHER

    Rod. P. Kapunan

    11/21/2009

    The commissioners of the 2nd Division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), namely Nicodemo Ferrer, Lucenito Tagle and Elias Yusoph, effected acted as a theocratic court. Their resolution denying the petition for accreditation of Ang Ladlad as party-list ominously was no different from the all-powerful curia of the Middle Ages where, instead of seeking to ensure the representation of the people with varied interests, were more of inquisitors whose decisions were based on their obscurantist view of morality.

    The resolution was funny, as it smacked of condemning one of witchcraft that in the olden times could cause the accused his life with no way for him to rebut or dispute. By prejudging Ang Ladlad, headed by its president Danton Remoto, as immoral or wanting to propagate immorality, Ferrer, Tagle and Yusoph cast public fear that the nation is headed back in time when what one thinks of the accused would be enough to condemn him.

    I am inclined to believe something is terribly wrong with these people in the Comelec for denying the petition simply because the party represents the homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders, and not on the basis that they are humans beings and citizens who are made to pay taxes and obligated to serve and die for this country. Instead of coming out with specific provisions of the law, these modern-day Torquemadas and a mullah came out with a fiendish decision based on a perceived immorality, not a committed immorality.

    Worse, these bigots do not have the moral and legal right to deny Ang Ladlad’s petition all for that reasoning that it does not conform to our Catholic faith. It was they who violated the constitutional provision of Church and State separation, even forgetting that we do not have a state religion. This country has long discarded the Catholic Church as our state religion, and surely they offended the rights of other religions.

    The three commissioners quoted the Holy Bible — Romans 1:26-27 — and the Koran when in truth they do not constitute as legal basis in our present-day secular state. But even with that pathetic argument, the commissioners forgot that homosexuals, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders, just like those born with physical and mental handicap, are part of God’s creation. God can never be wrong in creating them because there is in Him the wisdom He made each and every one of us unique in every way, which wisdom is beyond any mortal’s comprehension. With that lousy decision, by implication, the Comelec is saying that God committed a mistake, and by quoting Him, they now claim to be more knowledgeable than the Almighty.

    The Comelec commissioners must bear in mind that which happened to these gentle people of the third sex is not of their own making. They were born with sexual imperfections which nobody has the right to say, as by birthright, immoral or criminal. For that imperfection caused by human genetics, they cannot be judged on that basis alone. When the commissioners cited Article 694 of the Civil Code, they only exposed themselves as utterly ignorant. At the outset they failed to comprehend that the premise of the petition is to seek representation and the accreditation of their party to protect their rights, and not to spread immorality.

    It was the commissioners, blinded by bigotry who had malice by alleging that Ang Ladlad wants to spread immorality in an otherwise honest declaration by its members as belonging to the third sex. The Filipino word “ladlad” means to openly and honestly declare oneself as himself. Anybody in his right mind would certainly appreciate the members for being honest in seeking to be integrated into the mainstream of our society, and not for anybody to treat them as social lepers.

    How could the commissioners take that arrogant stance of not compromising the wellbeing of our youth when to declare one a nuisance that condition must be the result of an act or omission committed by man, and not by one who has not done anything to impair the sensibilities of the hypocrites? They put premium to their ignorance when they cited 1306 of the Civil Code forgetting that the issue is not about a contract, but the representation of a particular group of people who are also law abiding citizens of this country. Nothing in their objective is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order and policy to warrant its denial on the basis of a contract, except for their demand that the third sex be represented.

    Besides, it is worthwhile to remind these hypocrites that the country that introduced Catholicism here had long buried its history of bloody fascism. Today, Spain is ruled by democratically-elected and open-minded liberals and socialists who know how to respect the rights and dignity of every human being. Spain even enacted gay and lesbian marriages, granted divorce and many other laws abhorred during time of Generalissimo Franco. The openness of Spain did not in anyway lessen the people’s faith on their religion, but has been strengthened by it.

    The same can be said of the land where the papacy is seated. Liberalism has long overwhelmed the Italians, but it did not diminish their faith in God nor did they exchange their religion in favor of atheism. For that they achieved progress because they now have leaders with progressive ideas interacting in a society that is increasingly becoming heterogeneous.

    (E-mail: rodkap@yahoo.com.ph)

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    Comelec, a theocratic court

    go and share this sites
    tunay na tao itong writer columnist na si Rod Kapunan. may his tribe dadami pa

    http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20091121com3.html

    huges at Nov 21, 09 at 2:49 am

  38. ako proud to be gay but im not infavor of having LADLAD to represent us in congress dahil matagal ng tanggap sa komunidad ang mga joklas, imagine pati pag rereyna elena na dapat ay exclusive for girls lang dahil its a religious tradition pero kinarir parin ng mga sangkabaklaan at sa tingin nyo dipa ba sapat na basehan yan na tanggap na tayo ng constituents naten. charing lang ni lola remoto ang ladlad in congress, way lang nya yan para makakuha ng malaking pork barrel sa congress, jusko imagine kung sakaling makapasok ang LADLAD sa congress, winner ang lola remoto dahil ang daming datung na pambayad ng mga boylets, gagamitin lang nya ang pera sa pagbabayad ng boys, magkaka sore-throat ang lola sa kaka hitit ng yosi boys haahahaha. magsitigil na tayo sa kaartehan naten dahil di naman tayo dinidiskriminate ng constituents naten infact tayong mga joklas ang umaabuso sa community, imagine isang jokla, bugaw, prosti, tulak sa droga, nang abuso ng menor de edad etc….. gumawa nalang tayo ng mga bagay bagay na makakatulong sa community natin kesa makipag balitaktakan pa sa ladlad bruhahahahah na yan. GAGAMITIN LANG NI MISS. REMOTO ANG PORK BARREL NA PAMBAYAD SA BOYLETS NYA AT SA LAKI NG PORK BARREL MAGKAKA SORE-THROAT SYA KAKA-KAIN NG HOTDOG.

    dick at Dec 21, 09 at 12:11 pm

  39. To Dick,
    In fairness to Ladlad and similarly situated organizations, please let us not degrade the people behind. We are putting the cart before the cow (horse).
    Let Ladlad show or prove its worth first. And if it fails because of allegations of mismanagement of pork barrel, etc. I suppose that would be the proper time to review again the situation and initiate or advocate for its disqualification, in this case., of Ladlad in future political exercise.
    Meantime, let’s solidify our positions on grounds that can be defended at all cost.

    Luvkou at Dec 30, 09 at 2:41 pm

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