The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) renewed its call for stronger legal protections for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos, stressing Pride should be free from prejudice and that laws and institutions should likewise uphold inclusivity amid continuing cases of discrimination and harassment.

In a statement marking Pride Month 2026, the CHR urged lawmakers to prioritize the proposed Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill, saying national legal safeguards remain necessary despite gains in local anti-discrimination measures and gender-inclusive policies.

“Pride has no prejudice, and neither should our laws, institutions, and communities,” the CHR said.

According to the CHR, many LGBTQIA+ Filipinos continue to experience discrimination, harassment, exclusion, and unequal treatment in different areas of life.

The commission cited cases involving the profiling and harassment of transgender persons in public spaces, denial of benefits for same-sex partners, discriminatory hiring practices, and other forms of prejudice.

“These measures are critical to institutionalizing protection against discrimination and ensuring that all persons can participate fully in society and access their rights without fear, invisibility, or exclusion,” the CHR said, referring to the proposed measures.

The CHR said legal and institutional gaps continue to leave many LGBTQIA+ Filipinos vulnerable despite the growing number of local anti-discrimination ordinances and gender-inclusive policies adopted by local governments, schools, and workplaces.

Moreover, the commission also called for equal access to employment, education, healthcare, and public services in both the public and private sectors.

“Employment, education, healthcare, and public services should be accessible to all on the basis of fairness, merit, and respect for human dignity, free from prejudice and discrimination,” it said.

Furthermore, the CHR also called on the public to reject stigma, hate speech, misinformation, and discrimination that undermine human dignity and social cohesion.

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