It’s a win for the LGBT community this love month!
As part of the city’s pre-Valentines events, the Quezon City Local Government Unit, headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte, organized a “commitment ceremony” for LGBT couples last February 12.
More than 200 couples participated in the ceremony, wearing their pride masks, as they read their vows to each other.
Mayor Joy’s official Facebook page released a statement regarding the event.
“Pagbati at isang mahigpit na yakap sa mga magkasintahang LGBTQIA+ na nagpalitan ng kanilang panata ng pagmamahalan ngayong araw! Isang karangalan para kay Mayor Joy Belmonte ang masaksihan ang inyong wagas na pagmamahalan.”
The event is part of the LGU’s Gender Fair Ordinance, which upholds the rights of the LGBT community.
Netizens applauded the LGU for organizing the mass commitment ceremony.
This may be just ceremonial for now, but for the LGU to actually officiate and take the lead is really something. Sana soon, even the rights and benefits of even a civil weded couples will be granted to these cute lgbt+ couples 🥰 https://t.co/RF9g9y76Be
— Christer Salvador #LetLeniLead (@XternalHardrive) February 13, 2022
My heart 🥺❤️ congratulations po to everyone and finally our love is getting recognized. Hoping to have our own marriage equality soon
— Latrell #67Gabriela (@latrellfelix_) February 13, 2022
#LoveWins 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/DNJwEByga6
Vice-Ion wedding announcement
Additionally, fans and supporters, as well as the LGBT community, celebrated the union of the couple Vice Ganda and Ion Perez. In a Youtube vlog posted last February 13, it was revealed that they ‘tied the knot’. This happened in a Las Vegas Chapel in Nevada, USA last year.
The couple exchanged their meaningful vows as seen in the clips of the simple ceremony.
“Buong-buo ‘yung loob ko na makasama ka. Wala akong masabi basta mahal na mahal kita, Tuy. I love you.”
Ion to Vice
“Mahal na mahal din kita…. Ang saya-saya ko na ikaw ang kasama ko ngayon at ikaw ‘yung kasama ko kahapon at ikaw ‘yung makakasama ko pa rin bukas at sa mga susunod na araw.”
Vice to Ion
The end of the vlog unveiled videos of their rings, their signed certificate of commitment, and more photos from the ceremony.
Considerations for same-sex union
Despite the fact that same-sex marriage is illegal in the Philippines, it can be noted that some presidential candidates are in favor of civil unions for LGBT couples.
Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her support for it during the “Yes or No” portion in Jessica Soho’s interview.
Another candidate, Ping Lacson, also said that if the question pertains to civil unions, his answer was “yes”. But said “no” when it came to the church wedding.
The Philippines may not allow same-sex marriages in church but the consideration of a civil union is a step closer to progress.
