The Philippine Online Chronicles

In an eight-page resolution, Presiding Commissioner Nicodemo T. Ferrer of the Commission on Elections Second Division, along with Commissioners Lucienito N. Tagle and Elias R. Yusoph, dismissed the petition for registration filed by Ang Ladlad for party-list representation in the 2010 national elections.  The Second Division junked the party-list’s petition on moral grounds, that Ang Ladlad “tolerates immorality,” “offends religious beliefs,” and that the Comelec “cannot compromise the well-being of the greater number of our people, especially the youth.”

Kalurkey, to say the least, to think that not only did the Comelec safeguard the integrity and sanctity of the ballot, but made a decision that’s nothing short of balaj: to be moral arbiters of what cause should be represented in a historical milestone that highlights the freedom of a voter to choose, and the freedom of a citizen to be represented.

Recognition and respect for the rights of the LGBT community is different from imposing their lifestyle choices on the greater number of Filipinos.  Ang Ladlad seeks representation for their cause: to recognize gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and the transgendered to be freed from the chains of discrimination and bigotry that is present in almost every facet of social life.

The right to assemble and the right to representation are things deeply rooted in human rights and civil rights.  The Comelec Second Division, however, denied Ang Ladlad this fair shot at representation by shooting down their cause with phrases from religious texts, as if it is within their jurisdiction and responsibilities to police – not safeguard – the ballot.

The Constitution guarantees a Filipino citizen not only with the right to vote, but that no religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil and political rights (Article III Section 5).  Article XIII Section 16 stipulates that the State shall not abridge the right of people to participate in all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making.  Furthermore, it is clear in Article II Section 6 that the separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

The chaka decision made by the Comelec Second Division asserts not only the presence of a theocracy in the Philippines, but it also sets the assertion that morality is what the State says is right, and what the State says is wrong.  Kaplang, to the nth power.

The decision of the Comelec Second Division must be challenged, and it starts with something as simple as, chura niyo.

Ang Ladlad yahoogroups logo uploaded by Loisy to Wikipilipinas.org. Use of this image is believed to be free under Philippine fair use law.

Comelec resolution taken from Comelec website.