Duterte says No to Same Sex Marriage

After setting aside the issue for several months, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte finally revealed his stance on same sex marriage : a big NO ! 

During his official visit on Myanmar, Duterte gave a speech in front of the Filipino community where he tackled some issues including the same sex marriage where he openly said that it could never be allowed in the Philippines. 

In his speech, he referred to the front page of Time Magazine which talks about being beyond the he or she status. "Wala nang gender, because you can be he or she... 'yan ang kultura nila. Kayo lang. 'Di 'yan puwede sa amin, Katoliko kami."

(There's no more gender because you can be he or she. That's their culture. Don't include us. It's not acceptable for us because we're Catholics)

He even pointed out that there is an existing Philippine Civil Code that a man can only marry a woman. (Philippine Civil Code Article 54). 

He further stated that, "Dalawang brother-in-law ko gay. May mga pinsan ako na gay. Wala akong anu pero kung saan ka pinwesto ng Diyos, jan ka lang."

(I have 2 brother-in-laws who are gay. I have cousins who are gay. I don't care but you should act according to what God have intended.) 

During the campaign, he discussed about his openness to the idea of the same sex marriage which boosted his popularity among the LGBT community.  In one of the campaign debates, he said, "Definitely, the gays we're created by God. God made them so there is a bit of an error in the Bible. It should be Adam, Eve and the gays." 

The complete reversal of  statement serves as another stain in his integrity.  It is possible that he is finally giving in to the pressures of the church after showing-off a very brave front these couple of months. The continuous criticism of the church towards his anti-drug campaign captured the media attention internationally. Doubts and complaints even among some of his previous supporters are popping out everywhere. And instead of strengthening his image by being true to his words, his inconsistency is raising more and more eyebrows each day. 

Just this March 16, an impeachment complaint have been filed against the president by Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano. The charges includes betrayal of public trust, bribery and graft. The case may be weak for now,  but if he will not keep his act together his being ousted may not be an impossibility. 

However, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, the same guy who proposed taxing sectarian schools gave a statement last October that he will push for the approval of same sex marriage. He said though that as of the moment, it is not yet his priority.