language, physical features, or other status. 25 While the public has the right to be informed on this matter, we encouraged the public to have an open mind in looking into each provision of the proposed ordinance with the end goal to eliminate discrimination. The CHR X hopes that all human beings, regardless of their personal characteristics and status, be treated with respect and with dignity, and free from discrimination. We encouraged the policy makers to take up measures which ensures that all persons can fully enjoy their human rights. We encouraged everyone, not only the State, to respect the rights of all. To end, we quote the statement26 of the CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia on the issue of SOGIE Equality bill: SOGIE (or sexual orientation and gender identity and expression), as a term in itself, recognizes the diversity of human sexuality and its many forms of expression. Boxing then the debate in the perspective of ‗male versus female rights‘ already highlights some of the issues that the SOGIE Equality Bill seeks to address. We need to recognize that violence and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community exist, and that persons of diverse SOGIE are oftentimes being disadvantaged for simply not conforming to some‘s conservative notion of what makes males and females. It is crucial to understand that diverse SOGIE form part of a person‘s identity. And if people are harmed for simply asserting themselves as humans, then the State must be ready provide equal protection through laws and policies. The SOGIE Equality Bill, therefore, does not create or ascribe new rights. It merely demands recognition that everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights, and that systemic oppression necessitates corrective, affirmative action. In the end, the message is simple—that regardless of your sexual orientation and no matter how you opt to express your gender, you are human, as is with everyone else who needs to be respected and given the opportunity to pursue a well-lived and dignified life. Done this 21th day of January 2020 in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. ATTY. JEANNE IVY F. ABRINA Regional Director 25 Ibid, Article III, Section 1 Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the Sogie Equality Bill being against women‘s rights, September 5, 2019, https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-chr-spokesperson-attyjacqueline-ann-de-guia-on-the-sogie-equality-bill-being-against-womens-rights/ 26 GAD January-May 2020 Situation Report CHR-X Page 15 of 20