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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Congress approves creation of PNP help desks for LGBTs

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The House of Representatives and the National Police Commission have agreed to create a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender protection desk in all Philippine National Police stations across the country.

Instead of passing a new law, Napolcom shall issue a memorandum order for the LGBT protection desks, Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop said.

The consensus to address the acts of discrimination and violence against the LGBT sector was reached during a recent hearing conducted by the House committee on public order and safety chaired by Acop.

Earlier, Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto filed House Bill 2952 which seeks the creation of LGBT help desks.

It was agreed that Santos-Recto and Napolcom officials will coordinate with each other to craft a resolution or memorandum order for the creation of the LGBT help and protection desks.

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Deputy speaker Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia backed the non-passage of the bill, saying a Napolcom order would be enough to create such assistance desks.

Santos-Recto said many LGBTs have been subjected to discrimination and violence which affect their economic, social and physiological well-being.

“There is an absence of government mechanism or intervention directed to monitor, let alone address, the incidents of discrimination, prejudice and even violence against Filipino LGBT community,” she said.

“Because of this, many LGBT victims opt not to report the incident for fear of further harassment, prejudicial treatment, or more violent reprisal. We should not condone an environment where the LGBT community is treated with contempt and violence,” the lawmaker added.

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