Congress of Progressive Filipinos
National Statement
February 19, 2016

The Congress of Progressive Filipino Canadians (CPFC) is disgusted by the recent homophobic statement made by boxer, Philippine congressman and Senatorial candidate, Manny Pacquiao, against LGBTQs comparing them to being worse than animals for having same-sex relationships. These comments in particular reflect the persisting machismo, homophobia, and sexism in Philippine society. It is shameful and unacceptable that any Filipino politician representing the Philippine population, continues to use religion as a way to marginalize and dehumanize minority groups within the country.

Following the statements made by Pacquiao, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile ran in defense of the senatorial candidate and quipped that gays should go to Mars instead. The Liberal Party of the Philippines was also vocal in their vulgar objectification of women during Congressman Benjie Agarao’s celebration. Moreover, a presidential candidate and currently a Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte forcedly kissed his female supporters during his presidential campaign in Pampanga. These politicians who are in a position of immense political influence have perpetuated the systemic oppression and violence against women and the LGBTQ community in the Philippines. While immense public pressure has rightfully brought this issue into mainstream spotlight, it is more important that we continue to expose and oppose bigotry and patriarchy that serve to further undermine LGBTQs and women’s struggle for genuine equality and liberation.

We as progressive Filipino Canadians strongly refuse to accept the persisting machismo, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism in our communities and current society. We support and stand with the LGBTQ community in holding public figures like Manny Pacquiao, and all homophobic, anti-woman, and sexist religious leaders and politicians accountable as we continue to fight alongside them against discrimination and all forms of violence. This is not a fight we can put aside as unimportant and irrelevant. We in our communities and in our society must not tolerate these persisting, backward, and anti-human beliefs, and must recognize and respect the right to gender self-determination for members of the LGBTQ community as we move towards realizing a truly liberated and equal society.

Oppose homophobia, transphobia, and sexism!
Smash patriarchy!
Uphold gender self-determination!
Onward and upward with genuine women’s liberation!

Organizations under the Congress of Progressive Filipino Canadians
SIKLAB-National
Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance-National (UKPC/FCYA-National)
National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada (NAPWC)

For more information contact:
pwcontario@yahoo.ca
siklab-on@magkaisacentre.org
ukpc-on@magkaisacentre.org
416-519-255