Reaction Paper
By: Rojune B. Madera
Philippines has long been a Christian country where believers of faith runs deep in our roots.
Though time has changed and third gender is now acknowledged worldwide, the perspective of
the elders in our country remains the same. As part of the new generation of Filipino people who
has an open mind and understanding about this changes in our society, I still do not agree in
same sex marriage for marriage is sacred and the bible states that only male and female can be
wed this signifies my respect for our wedding traditions.
On the other hand, I do approve of same sex union where both parties can have the rights just
like a married couple, there is no ceremony needed and it is just performed by signing a civil
partnership certificate in front of an authority and several witnesses. Same-sex marriage in the
Philippines remains a highly contentious issue due to the influence of religion in this predominantly
Catholic.” The Philippines does not legally recognize same-sex unions, either in the form of
marriage or civil unions. The Family Code of the Philippines defines only recognizes marriages
between “a man and a woman”.
During last year’s presidential election campaign, Duterte said he was open to the idea. “If samesex marriage legislation reaches me in whatever capacity, I’ll consider it,” Duterte said in February
16. The remark boosted Duterte’s popularity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT) community and gave credibility to his image as a politician respectful of LGBT rights.
In my opinion, as a Christian, same-sex marriage is against the Christian values that is considered
immoral. This only proves that even with the advent of technology and western influence of
liberality, Christians of today is still guided by the values and morality. I am aware that allowing
same-sex marriage would enable gays and lesbians in the Philippines to marry the person they
love and would strengthen everyone’s rights. From a human rights perspective, broadening civil
marriage to couples of the same sex demonstrates respect for the fundamental rights of equality
and nondiscrimination.
For this to be possible, Philippines should join countries including the United States and other
countries promising to support same-sex marriage legislation, all of which have enshrined
marriage equality in their laws. That’s the possibility I think that would legalize same sex marriage
in our country. But to summarize, personally, I do not approve same-sex marriage but same sex
union that normally no religious ceremony needed as to everyone has the right to be honest in
their self and be happy with someone they truly want to be with.
REACTION
PAPER
Topic: LEGALIZATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Submitted by:
Rojune B. Madera
Block 1L
Submitted to:
Ms. Mary Grace Cadenas