Sara Duterte & Gloria Arroyo Join Pride Festivities in Pampanga
SARA DUTERTE – Vice President Sara Duterte publicly supported same-sex civil unions during a Pride Month event in Pampanga, where she was joined by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In a significant gesture of solidarity, former president and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joined Vice President Sara Duterte in celebrating Pride Month at the annual event held in San Fernando, Pampanga. The occasion, known as Kasarilayaan, is organized by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to honor the LGBTQ+ community and its advocates. The event took place in Pampanga, considered the stronghold of the Arroyo family.
Arroyo’s presence alongside Duterte was notable, especially in light of recent political tensions. Arroyo, a long-time Duterte ally, was removed from her position as deputy House speaker in 2023. This event was one of the catalysts that reportedly contributed to the breakdown of the alliance between the Duterte camp and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte, who currently faces an impeachment complaint, used the Pride event to express her support for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the legalization of same-sex civil unions. During a press conference, she threw her support behind Senate Bill 449, authored by Senator Robinhood Padilla.
“This is one of the proposed laws that will acknowledge same-sex relationships or non-traditional families. They will be given the rights,” Duterte said.
Although the measure did not progress during the 19th Congress, Duterte pledged that her office is ready to assist in reviving and promoting it.
“If he needs the help of the OVP to present it and help senators understand it, we are willing to help,” she added.
According to the report, Duterte also addressed potential religious opposition to the bill, emphasizing that the Catholic Church should not resist it, referencing the inclusive stance of the current pontiff. “The Catholic Church should not oppose the measure since Pope Francis backed same-sex civil unions,” Duterte maintained.
The Pride Month event gathered a wide array of supporters, including LGBTQ+ advocates, allies, and community leaders, making it a platform not just for celebration, but also for renewed calls for equal rights legislation in the Philippines.
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