Senate Bill no. 449 "THE CIVIL UNION ACT OF 2022"

 AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING CIVIL UNIONS OF SAME SEX COUPLES, ESTABLISHING THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ROBINHOOD PADILLA

(NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 

First Regular Session

EXPLANATORY NOTE 

Section I, Article III of the 1987 Constitution guarantees that, "A/o person shall be deprived of life, liberty orproperty without dueprocess oflaw, norshallanyperson be denied the equalprotection ofthe laws."

Philippine laws affirm that every person has the right to equal protection before the law and while the 1987 Constitution does not explicitly mention Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), it does not prohibit or exclude civil partnership or unions of same-sex couples.

As a state member to various international covenants promoting human rights, the Philippines has committed itself to uphold the dignity, equality, and human rights of all citizens. It is therefore incumbent upon us to take positive action that guarantees the fundamental rights of equality and non-discrimination.

Guided by the Yogyakarta Principles, a universal guide to human rights which affirm binding international legal standards, all States are called upon to take all necessary legislative, administrative, and other measures to ensure that any entitlement, privilege, obligation or benefit enjoyed by different-sex or married couples should likewise be available to same-sex couples.

As of December 2021, same-sex marriage or civil unions, if not both, have been legalized in 31 countries and territories through either legislations and court decisions.1 In Asia, Taiwan became the first country' to enact marriage equality in 2019 after its Constitutional Court ruled that marriage could not be restricted to opposite-sex couples and gave parliament two (2) years to enact legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, six (6) cities in Japan are now issuing partnership certificates to same-sex couples to enjoy some of the rights and benefits of marriage. The Philippines, however, still lacks legislative measures to afford equal rights and privileges for same-sex couples that is enjoyed by different-sex couples.

This proposed measure therefore seeks to recognize the civil union between two (2) persons of the same or opposite sex to be able to enjoy the rights, protection, and privileges afforded in this bill. This representation firmly believes It is high time that the Philippines provides equal rights and recognition for couples of the same sex with no prejudice as to sexual relationships are protected and recognized and given access to basic social protection and security. Providing equal rights and privileges for same-sex couples will in no way diminish or trample on the rights granted to married couples. In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is highly and earnestly sought. 

ROBINHOOD PADILLA

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Civil Unions Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration ofPoiicy. It is the policy of the State to promote social justice, value the dignity of every person and guarantee respect for human rights regardless of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Towards this end, the State shall recognize the need to protect its citizens who are in a relationship with the same sex, accord the same rights and obligations similar to marned couples, and ensure that they are not discriminated.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act: 

a. Civil union refers to a legal relationship between two persons of the same sex established pursuant to this Act; 

b. Civil union license refers to a document Issued by the local civil registrar of the city or municipality that allows the contracting parties, of the same sex that are habitually residing together, to legally enter into a civil union; 

c. Civil union certificate refers to a document that certifies that the persons named on the certificate have established a civil union in accordance with this Act; d. Infidelity \s committed by any partner who shall have sexual relations with a man or woman who is not his or her civil partner.

e. Pre-civil union agreement refers to an agreement pertaining to the property regime between prospective partners entering to a civil union; and 

f. Property refers to an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in reai or personal property, including income and earnings. 

SEC. 4. Recognition of Civil Unions, Any person who complies with the requirements herein provided, shall be allowed to register and enter into a civil union, and shall be bound by the obligations and responsibilities and enjoy the protections and benefits afforded by this Act.

SEC. 5. Requisites ofa Civil Union. No civil union shall be valid unless the following requirements are present:

1. Legal capacity ofthe contracting parties. For purposes of this Act, there is legal capacity if the parties are:

a. At least eighteen (18) years of age; 

b. Not prohibited to enter into civil union by reason of public policy, based on the grounds enumerated under Articles 37 and 38 of Executive Order No. 209, as amended, otherwise known as the ”Family Code of the Philippines; and 

c. Free from any previous bond of marriage or civil union.

2. Consent freely given in the presence of the administering officer;

3. Authority of the administering officer; 

4. A valid license to contract or enter into a civil union issued by and obtained from the local civil registrar of the cit^' or municipality where either party habitually resides; and

 5. A civil union ceremony which takes place with the personal appearance of the contracting parties before the administering officer and their personal declaration, that they take each other as legal partners In the presence of not less than two (2) witnesses of legal age. No specific religious rite or form shall be required for purposes of this requirement.

The absence of any of the requisites mentioned in this section shall render the civil union void ab initio. A defect In the requirements provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be a ground for the annulment of the civil union. However, a defect in paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) shall be deemed a mere Irregularity, which shall not affect the validity of the civil union but the persons responsible for the commission of the irregularity shall be civilly, criminally and administratively liable.

SEC. 6. Administering Officers. The following are the persons lawfully authorized to administer civil union ceremonies:

1. Any incumbent member of the judiciary within the court's jurisdiction; 

2. City or municipal rr.ayors pursuant to their authority under Sec. 444 (b)(l)(xviii) of R.A. 7160; and

 3. Any consul-general, consul or vice consul In the case provided in Article 10 of E.O. 209.

SEC. 7. Civii Union License and Certificate. The requirements for and prohibitions relative to, as well as the procedures for the issuance of a valid marriage license and certificate provided for under Articles 9 to 25 and Articles 27 to 32 of the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended, shall likewise be applicable in the issuance of a civil union license and certificate.

SEC. 8. Property Regime. The property relationship between civil union couples shall be governed in the following order:

1. By the pre-civil union agreement executed before the civii union ceremony; and

 2. By the provisions of this Act

SEC. 9. Pre-Civii Union Agreement Couples may, within the limits provided for by this Act, fix their property relations by executing a pre-civi! union agreement which shall be in writing, signed by both parties, and contained in a public instrument.

The parties may choose between the system of absolute community of property, conjugal partnership of gains, separation of property, whether total or partial, or any other regime, as provided for in the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended. Such regimes shall govern their right to own, dispose of, possess, administer and enjoy properties, subject to modifications, which are not contrary to law, morals, good custom, public order, or public policy, given the nature of their union.

Any stipulation or agreement that is inimical to the interest of the civil union relative to sustenance and support for medical treatment, dwelling, food, clothing and other needs of the couple, or adversely affects ti ie right of children to receive support, shall automatically be declared void. Stipulations which are not contrary to law, morals, good custom, public order, or public policy shall not be invalidated and shall remain effective.

A pre-civil union agreement becomes effective upon the establishment of a civil union.

SEC. 10. Form of Pre-civii Union Agreement The pre-civil union agreement and any modification thereof shall be in writing, signed by the parties and executed before the celebration of the civil union. Provided, That the agreement shall not prejudice third persons unless they are registered in the local civil registry where the civil union contract is recorded as well as in the proper registries of properties.

SEC. 11. Default Property Regime, In the absence of a pre-civil union agreement or when the regime agreed upon is void, the default property regime shall be conjugal partnership of gains as provided for and defined under the Family Code.

SEC. 12. Separation of Property of the Civil Union Couples and Administration of Common Property by one ofthe Parties during the Civil Union. In the absence of an express declaration in the pre-civil union agreement, the separation of property between couples during the civil union shall not take place except by judicial order. Such judicial separation of property may either be voluntary or for sufficient cause.

The provisions of Articles 135 to 142 of E.O. 209 in relation to separation of property shall be made applicable to this Act. 

SEC. 13. Benefits and Protections of Civil Union. Couples shall be afforded the following benefits, protections and responsibilities:

1. All benefits and protections as are granted to spouses In a marriage under existing laws, administrative orders, court rulings, or those derived as a matter of public policy, or any other source of civil law;

2. Laws on marital relations, including donations by reason of marriage, legal separation, adoption, child custody and support, property division and maintenance, and spousal support;

3. Rights of civil union couples with respect to a child of whom both become the parents of during the terms of the civil union, shall be the same as those of a married couples with respect to their child;

4. All contracts made between persons in contemplation of a civil union shall remain in full force after such civil union takes place;

5. A certified true copy of the record of the civil union from the local civil registrar having custody of the record shall be presumptive evidence of the civil union for all legal purposes;

6. Laws relating to intestate succession, survivorship, or other incidents of the acquisition, ownership or transfer, inter vivos or at death, of real or personal property, as affecting parties to a marriage, shall likewise be applicable;

7. Causes of action related to or depended, upon spousal status, including torts or actions under contracts reciting, related to, or dependent upon spousal status may be availed of;

8. Couples shall automatically have insurable interest over their respective partners and may avail of benefits relating to insurance, health and pension benefits provided to married couples;

9. Labor standard benefits, privileges, restriction and prohibition accorded to employees based on mat ital status shall likewise be accorded;

10. Benefits under tax laws relating to marital status shall be applicable;

11. Coverage of laws relating to immunity from being compelled to testify against the other and bound by the marital communication privilege;

12. Hospital visitation rights and the authority to give consent to any medical treatment in behalf of his/her civil partner whenever required;

13. Visitation rights in detention facilities; and

14. Decision making in burial arrangements.

 SEC. 14. Obligations of Civil Union Couples. Civil union couples legally owe each other respect, fidelity, support and assistance. They are bound to live together and are jointly responsible in the management of their household; exercise of parental authority, if applicable; the contribution towards expenses; the maintenance of the civil union residence; and other duties which married couples under the Family Code are jointly responsible for.

They have the same obligations with respect to a child of whom both become the parents of during the terms of the civil union, as those of a married couple with respect to their child as provided for in existing laws.

SEC. 15. Right to Inherit For purposes of inheritance rights, a partner in a civil union shall be considered a compulsory heir of the other, who shall have the same rights and benefits accorded to a husband or wife in Republic Act No. 386, otherwise known as the "Civil Code of the Philippines," as amended, the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8552, also known as the "Domestic Adoption Act of1998."

SEC. 16. Adoption Rights. Civil union couples residing in the Philippines who have the qualifications and none of the disqualifications may adopt if the requirements for a valid adoption, as provided under existing laws, are complied with. The fact that the adopting couple is of the same sex shall not be considered as proof of bad moral character. The best interest and welfare of the child shall always be the paramount consideration in deciding matters concerning the adoption of a child by civil union couples.

SEC. 17. Social Security and Insurance Membership. Civil union couples shall have the same rights and privileges as those granted to married couples with regard to application for social security and other private insurance membership and claiming entitlement to their benefits. The Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and other benefits-related state agencies shall restructure their benefits system to accommodate parties to civil unions and their corresponding dependents.

SEC 18. Dissolution of Civil Union. The grounds, procedures and effects, whenever applicable, for legal separation, annulment and declaration of nullity of marriages under the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended, shall be applicable in civil unions. 

SEC. 19. Protection of Children in Case ofDissolution of Civil Union. To protect the rights and interests of children In the event of dissolution of the civil union, the court shall consider the following factors in so far as support for children, if applicable, is concerned:

1. Needs of the child; 

2. Standard of living and economic circumstances of each parent; 

3. All sources of income and assets of each parent; 

4. Earning ability of each parent, including education background, training, employment skills, work experience, custodial responsibility for children including the cost of providing child care and the length of time and cost of each parent to obtain training or experience for appropriate employment;

5. Need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education; 

6. Age and health of the child and each parent; 

7. Income, assets and earning ability of the child; 

8. Responsibility of the parents for the court-ordered support of others; 

9. Reasonable debts and liabilities of each child and parent; and 

10. Any other factors the court may deem relevant.

The obligation to give support for a child who is not a minor shall not terminate solely on the basis of the child's age if the child suffers from a severe mental or physical incapacity that causes the child to be financially dependent on a parent. The obligation to give support for that child shall continue until the court finds that the child is relieved of the incapacity or /is no longer financially dependent on the parent

SEC. 20. Support Pendente Lite. In all actions brought for dissolution of a civil union, legal separation from a partner or annulment of the civil union, the court may provide for support pendente Ute. In so doing, the court shall consider the following factors, among others: 

1. The actual need and ability of the parties to pay; 

2. The duration of the civil union;

3. The age, physical and emotional health of the parties;

4. The Standard of living established in the civil union and the likelihood that each party can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living; 

5. The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills and employability of the parties; 

6. The length of absence from the job market of the party seeking maintenance; 

7. The parental responsibilities for the children; 

8. The time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment, the availability of the training and employment, and the opportunity for future acquisitions of capital assets and Income; 

9. The history of the financial or non-financial contributions to the civil union by each party including contributions to the rare and education the children and interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities; 

10. The equitable distribution of property ordered and any payouts on equitable distribution, directly or indirectly, out of current income, to the extent this consideration is reasonable, just and fair; 

11. The income available to either party through investment of any assets held by that party; and 

12. Any other factors which the court may deem relevant. 

For purposes of liquidation of earned assets and properties during the civil union, household support and assistance are deemed equivalent to actual work and industry. Dissolution of the civil union shall not prejudice the right of children to legitimes under the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended.

SEC. 21. Unlawful or Discriminatory Employment Practices. -The following are declared as unlawful or discriminatory employment practices:

1. For an employer, tc refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge or require to retire, unless justified by lawful considerations other than age, from employment such individual because of their civil union, or to discriminate against such individual in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment including training and promotions; 

2. For a labor organization, to exclude or to expel from its membership such individual because of their civil union, or to discriminate in any way against any of its members, against any applicant for, or individual Included in, any apprentice or other training program or against any employee or any Individual employed by an employer;

3. For any employee or employment agency to print or circulate or cause to be printed or circulated any statement, advertisement or publication, or to use any form of application for employment, or to make an inquiry in connection with prospective employment, which expresses, directly or indirectly, any limitation, specification or discrimination as to civil union status for employment;

4. For any owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of any place of public accommodation, directly or indirectly, to refuse, withhold from or deny to any person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities or privileges thereof, or to discriminate against any person in the furnishing thereof, or directly or indirectly to publish, circulate, issue, display, post or mail any written or printed communication, notice, or advertisement to the effect that any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any such place will be refused, withheld from, or denied to any person on account of civil union status; and 

5. For any person, including any owner, lessee, sublessee, assignee or managing agent of, or other person having the right of ownership or possession of or the right to sell, rent, lease, assign, or sublease any real property or part or portion thereat or any agent or employee of any of these to refuse to sell, rent lease, assign, or sublease or otherwise to deny to or withhold from any person or group of persons any real property or part or portion thereof because of civil union status.

SEC. 22. Penal Provisions. (1) Any person who knowingly or willfu'ly refuses to issue civil union licenses or certificates despite being authorized to do so; denies rights and benefits entitled to civil union couples; or commits unlawful, discriminatory employment practices; or commits discriminatory practices to children of civil union couples as provided for in this Act, shall be penalized by a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than One Million pesos (P1,000,000.00) or imprisonment often (10) years.

If the offender is a corporation or association, the officer responsible for the acts enumerated in this Section shall be criminally and civilly liable. If the offender is a public officer, prosecution under this Act shall be without prejudice to the filing of any administrative case against the public officer under other existing laws. (2) Any person other than those enumerated administering officers In Section 6 of this who administers civil union ceremony shall be penalized by a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than One Million pesos (P1,000,000.00) or imprisonment often (10) years.

SEC. 23. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. Pertinent provisions of the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended, the Civil Code of the Philippines, as amended, and the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended accordingly. All other laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are also hereby amended or repealed accordingly

SEC. 25. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 2 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

See the FULL DOCUMENTATION Here..

Civil Union Act of 2022

 

 

 

 

BPO Employee Gay Lesbian and Allies for Genuine Acceptance and Democracy (BE GLAD) statement on DOJ Remulla's statements against same sex Marriage.

 "We said, culturally, our values may conflict with the many values that they want to impose on us… We are not ready for that. Culturally, we are not ready for that." - DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC's) recommendation to take measures to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines surprised many people, especially in the LGBT Community on social media, according to the Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla's remarks to the assembled press on November 21, 2022. The secretary said that there are a number of things on the list that must be upheld and protected, such as sovereignty and cultural values, and that this may conflict if the proposed policy is implemented. It appears that the secretary is somewhat oblivious to the significance of the prevalent argument relating to the subject, despite the fact that he is undoubtedly aware of it. The LGBT community already resides on the aforementioned ground with the different members of its collective. Many LGBT couples lead normal lives, and the majority of them struggle with the challenges of being an individual and a member of society. The SOGIE and other comparable measures that are still pending in the Congress are a result of this government's continued denial of the current state of affairs and utilization of the cultural constraints of the semi-feudal society that still exists. After two decades of struggles and ongoing efforts to get recognition for the rainbow community, the government still sees it as a danger and has passed laws that exclude vulnerable people from its benefits. Thoughts of certain legislators that are contradictory to what is actually happening on the ground remain in the depths of ambivalence. Secretary Remulla is one of the persons who really needs to grasp that society needs to open its mind and heart to assimilate such knowledge that this notion is actually the concrete side of human rights per se and that it may need a protection from the governing body of the country. Genuine acceptance is the most likely step towards human rights, and recognition among LGBT people is not merely a means to true acceptance. It ensured that everyone and everything in the system worked for the benefit of the people, not at the expense of equality or the participation in change at the same time. Making sense of acceptance, the government should also keep an eye on the nation's nationalistic movement, which advocates for the promotion of real identities and nation-building as specified in the constitution and the international agreement to which the Philippines is a signatory. Genuine acceptance draws a line and paves the way for everyone, including LGBT people and the rest of the population. Since these factors are the real reasons why LGBT still face discrimination, economic and cultural improvements must always be coordinated. Criticism without any follow-through or embellishment of the real world show pure immaturity and incompetence.

REFERENCES:

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/852123/remulla-philippines-culturally-not-ready-for-same-sex-marriage/story/

https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2020-01-24/philippines-supreme-court-rules-on-same-sex-marriage/

https://legacy.senate.gov.
ph/lisdata/3821034648!.pdf

www.philippinestar.com

Protect Individual Freedom and Beliefs. No to All Forms of Discrimination!

 For Congressman Abante, 

You need to see this!!

            "RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SHOULDN'T

          MEAN  CHRISTIAN SUPREMACY"

For a long time, the LGBT community has been fighting for genuine acceptance. This statement has been brought to the attention of a wide majority of people across the globe. Various concerns have been expressed, and we must emphasize the significance of their nature to the marginalized sector of society.  One of which is the respect for individual beliefs and faiths regardless of gender, race, and color, and the statement that no one shall be subject to discrimination by any state, institution, group of persons, or person on the grounds of religion or other belief. (Ref: Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1981 Declaration of the General Assembly). Did Benny Abante and the entire Christian domination know about these propositions? I'm not an international law expert, but I believe that no one has the right to label the Pink Community as not being the direct creation of anything, even though we are born in a geographically created country. Even the oppressive Christian Bible does not explicitly state that only heterosexuals are the sole direct creations of God. This is too much, and this legislative person who has really hated the LGBT community for so long needs to vacate the position and give it to someone who is more qualified to serve the country, has a passion for the poor, and has the ability to create laws that everyone will benefit from. The place where he is right now is really decaying, where parasites have taken over, including his tiny, closed-minded brain. How pathetic! If he wants to be illuminated, he must breathe. People like him are like a piece of a pest that needs to fade away from the air. Move out and don't come back. This society needs to breathe and not be polluted by his infectious ideas and learning. One thing is certain: this will be a long battle against his ideologies, and whoever wins will bear primary responsibility for any treatment that appears to be harmful to us. It's a win-win situation. It's a good thing that the majority of users are educated, and this news sparked outrage among us. This is not the least that we can do. The power of data transmission lasts until his last breath.

                                The Profound Congressman of 6th District of Manila.

"The Heterosexual Act of 2022" Must be JUNK! Its merely a FORM OF DISCRIMINATION!

NO TO ALL FORM OF DISCRIMINATION!

References;

https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/182941-bill-religious-freedom-heterosexual

https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-religion-or-belief/international-standards#29

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=625785146008844&set=a.167578608496169

Overthinking is really infectious...

 A Famous writers wrote...

    The world is changing. We can't stop its ways for another level of continuity and still remain constant. These changes have led the society's structure to get along with a different approach like adjusting to a new system or even the overall factors that change the whole life of an individual. The man is still searching for truth and is still curious about things that happen. He is still fond of new ideas and creation of the same species of the land. Apart from the cognitive side of the person, he still wants to survive his daily needs. How long does a daily amount of food last? How will I pay off my debts? and what will the future bring to us? Those never-ending questions that keep us thinking and lead us to negative conclusions. We always intend to take into account what others say about how we look, live, and even act in certain situations. These criticisms apparently affect our minds and are sometimes psychologically harmful. Being curious about everything is not something that we could stop due to bad results; however, too much thinking will lead to bad decisions. I don't want to tell you about some of my friends' cases, which have resulted in chaos because they made decisions without thoroughly investigating all sides of the issue. We can't determine what should be happening in the future. Some people who have this behavior have made themselves detainees in their own nightmare, and they can't stand it any longer. They prefer to be there. What I mean is that they don't want to listen but still manage to hold onto their decision to view what they believe. Gladly, I say, it's better to keep your cool around those who can share everything with you than to listen to those who are resistant to doing what they need to do to improve. This is adamant. They have made an investment in rules, and they are the only ones who have followed them. It is bizarre of their thinking that they can sometimes kill anyone who comes close to that position. It's like a disease. It may infect your thoughts at the same time and bombard you with a lot of negative ideas. I can't complain, whatever the cause of the paramount of their lives; they are just victims of ever ending interaction in the land of ideas and the backward situation of society itself. I believe that we can only withdraw this alarming behavior if we remove any subjective judgments toward the person's mind and stick to the idea that everything has an explanation and cannot be ignored. This explanation will enlighten them and bring peace, calmness, and satisfaction, which are significant in remolding their view of life and embodying the goodness of becoming a positive person.

Nothing in Particular but it's a WOW!

While i'm scrolling my newsfeed in facebook, I saw this post from my radica friend of mine. It's struck me!

It's gives me goosebump! though I haven't read a lot of Marxist literatures and writings but I am really a big fan. you don't have any idea. Peace!

The Teacher and the Community (A Reflection as a Aspirant LPT) PART 1

Today marks the third month of my study in the Certification for Teaching Program (CTP). This is an online program for people who want to pursue study teaching while working. First, I thought it would be easy, but it has given me a lot of new learning experiences about how to adapt,plan, implement, and revise instructions, not just for kids, but also for other people who seek good instructions and learning. It's a great way for me to interact with other people in different places in the world. Yes, in the world, because you don't have only classmates around the Philippines (Thank you, pandemic days. You have taught us that there is another way of modality.) But you have a chance to be with Filipino people working and living in other countries like Vietnam, Thailand and the Middle East. This is an initiative and great way of platform which promulgated by Mr. Nielson De Silva, The Proprietor of Ascend Tutorial, Training and Review Center which is located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Ascend is committed in transforming professionals to become teacher-ready equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills as they enter the teaching profession. Moreover, their students are taught the progressivist way to cope with the demands of both the third and fourth Industrial Revolution in Education (Education 3.0 and 4.0) and they are an advocates of new way of modality of instruction and learning especially for those who wants to pursue the passion for teaching. Graduates who are currently working professionals can now push their call for teaching and be involved in a changing pace of modern world nowadays. With the help of curriculum of their partner school-the Asia Technological School for Science and Arts, the mode of instruction is both online and offline, where students can work on their study activities at their own pace without attending an actual classroom. With this set up, the student can work and finish their assigned activities and worksheets at their convenience, without any due date, as long as they finish the task before the end of the term. I'm so lucky that I found this option since it's my dream to finish my studies in Education even before the pandemic. For me, who aspires to become a teacher or a trainer someday, this would be a big help for continuous learning and training.

                "The Teaching Profession Online Synchronous Class of Ma'am Villamor" 

 Deciding to undergo this momentous event feels like I am really a worthy person. To have this opportunity to serve my country through true education builds my compassion more to help and enlighten the dark world of disinformation and innocents. It was a struggle for me at first because you need to work on your assignments in school and yet you are working at the same time. I find this good and I enjoy it! Even if I have free time, I usually spend a little time looking at my notes and memorizing terms. Exams are really challenging because they are in the same format as the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) exam. The process is really intensive and hard but I find it nice anyway since teaching is a no brainer job and it requires a lot of ability to possess before you fly to the actual demonstration of teaching. The knowledge that has been gained, the planning and getting into the actual mode of teaching are the best qualities and criteria that the said program provides made a good teacher. The servant for the community of people and the society itself. One thing that I always remind myself on why I'm here? I can be narrow, but I can also be a changer. Giving learning is the best way to fight inequalities and misunderstanding in society. Playing a cartoon hero or a tandang sora mode really gives me peace and calm every time I can share knowledge with everyone. It's a call! Oh dear!

Advocacy for Fame and Capital.

Sobrang daming naglalabasan ngayon about sa mga personalities at celebrities na gustong makisangkot sa mga napapanahong issues. Talaga namang nakakaliw ang mga ganitong aksyon mula sa kanila. Para kasing unang pansin mo eh, hindi mo aakalain na kaya nila pala. May mga nagbibitbit ng issue ng mga mahihirap. Para bang nangangampanya para sa kapakanan ng mga maliliit na tayo. Namimigay ng mga relief. Dinaig pa ang mga pulitiko tuwing eleksyon. Samantala, yung mga kababayan natin laking tuwa naman at nakakita sila ng mga artista. Hindi alam ng mga mahihirap na sila ang adyenda ng mga ito, para sa personal interest. Maalalang si Gazino Ganados ay nag advocate kuno ng mga matatanda (elderly) nung lumaban siya sa Miss Universe 2019. Lumaki daw siya sa lola niya pero hindi hindi impressive ang mga judges ng MU dahil hindi ito sincere sa mga sinasabi niya. Totoong mas matimbang talaga ang mismong ginagawa mo kesa sa sinasabi. Talamak na naman ang mga Pageant now adays at mga talent searches at gagamitin na naman nila ang mga issue ng LGBT, HIV awareness at impoverised situation ng mga tao. Sana man lang eh makita nila ang totoong realidad ng totoong buhay. Na ang mga issueng nabanggit ay hindi biro at matagal nang issue na sumisira sa lipunan. I hope manawagan sila ng matinding pagbabago at gamitin nila ang kanilang impluwensya para sa kapakanan ng bawat issue gusto nilang hawakan.

UN alarmed by increasing HIV-AIDS incidence in the Philippines

THE United Nations (UN) on Wednesday expressed alarm over the increasing number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases in the country. UN Special Envoy to Asia and the Pacific JVR Prasada Rao told the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health during a hearing that the Philippines is now facing the sub-population epidemic of HIV-AIDS. Rao added that the Philippine government should now intervene to prevent the “fast and furious prevalence” of the HIV-AIDS. Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC) Executive Director Ferchito Avelino said during the same hearing that the council needs P1.2 billion for AIDS prevention through its education and awareness campaign. “We need funds to support our program against HIV-AIDS,” Avelino said. Health authorities said there were 431 new cases of HIV in June, bringing to 2,323 the number of new cases since January 2013 and to 14,025 since the disease was detected in 1984. Of the 14,025 cases since 1984, 1,289 have become full-blown AIDS, the officials said. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) said that from one case in every three days in 2000, HIV cases have increased to one case a day in 2007, four cases a day in 2010, seven cases a day in 2011 and nine cases a day in 2012, and a new HIV case every two hours in 2013. It said that the reported common mode of HIV transmission of all the cases in the Philippines was sexual contact and males having sex with males. “Males having sex with other males were the predominant type of sexual transmission through heterosexual contact, followed by homosexual contact, then bisexual contact,” the DOH said. It added that other common mode of transmission were through needle sharing among injecting drug users and through mother-to-child transmission. The DOH said that HIV leads to AIDS. The latter is a condition where the virus attacks and damages the immune system of the body, eventually causing death. It warned that HIV-AIDS cases would balloon to 45,000 in 2015 because of continued unsafe sex practices of Filipinos. Help of local governments to control spread of HIV-AIDS sought ALARMED by the increasing number of Filipinos afflicted with the deadly HIV-AIDS, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Wednesday urged local officials to institute measures to help control the spread of the deadly disease. Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the Associated Labor Unions-TUCP, said local officials, particularly city and municipal mayors, should allocate funds, craft city or municipal ordinances and provide facilities to cater to the needs of their constituents found afflicted with HIV-AIDS. The group issued the call after the Philippine National AIDS Council and the DOH released the rapid assessment study and analysis results designed for local chief executives. Most of the victims were men who have sex with other men. The study revealed that Quezon City, Manila and Makati City top the list of cities with high incidence of HIV-AIDS. The TUCP is a member of the PNAC and co-chairman of its Committee on Planning, Partnership and Networking. The other members of the PNAC are the departments of Health, of the Interior and Local Government, and of Social Welfare and Development, and some non-governmental organizations. Seno said providing men with access to condoms is a “quick or knee-jerk and, thus, temporary, solution.” “What we need is a permanent, lasting and strategic solution.” Seno warned that if male-to-male sex behavior continues, the number of cases this year may surpass the total figure of 3,338 cases reported last year, the highest since 1984. The rapid assessment also emphasized the need for local chief executives and local city and town councils nationwide to make policy interventions by correcting misconceptions about HIV-AIDS, promoting self-risk assessment and providing access to available STD-HIV services. The study also urged local governments to prioritize the establishments of more permanent local AIDS councils, facilities for victims and health personnel. “The study points to the need for mayors and city councils to institutionalize their shared responsibility in minimizing the number of HIV-AIDS victims. By institutionalizing the HIV-AIDS policy intervention in cities and towns, the problem is insulated from partisan politics and transforms the approach to become more decisive. This is how we think the chronic and growing problem of HIV-AIDS should be addressed,” Seno added. The group said that in June 2013 alone, there were 431 new HIV-positive individuals confirmed by the STD-AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory and reported to the HIV and AIDS registry. This is 46 percent higher compared to the same period last year with 295 reported cases. From 1984 to present, there were 14,025 HIV-AIDS cases reported. More than half, or 51 percent (6,549), were in Metro Manila, while 13 percent (1,643) were in Region 4A; 9 percent in Region 7; 8 percent (1,077) in Region 3; 6 percent in Region 11; and 13 percent are from the rest of the country. The assessment identified the cities of Quezon (1,539), Manila (1,363) and Makati (712) as the top three localities in the 17 cities and one town in Metro Manila with high incidence of HIV-AIDS. They were followed by Mandaluyong (399), Pasig (388), Caloocan (354), Pasay (326), Parañaque (280), Taguig (240), Las Piñas (228), Marikina (207), Muntinlupa and Valenzuela (145), San Juan (65), Malabon (92), Navotas (38) and Pateros (16). Sexual contact remains the prominent mode of transmission (93 percent), 4 percent through needle sharing and 1 percent each through mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusion and needle-prick injury. Of the 13,036 who got the disease through sexual contact, 44 percent (5,722) were from male-to-male contacts. Forty-five percent of those surveyed in Metro Manila said condoms were not available. Others said they don’t like to use or their partner objected to using condoms.

We are born in this Fucking way!!...

From the time na narinig ko ang latest single ni Lady Gaga na "born this way" alam ko nang mapapaindak talaga ako nito. Una yung beat, masyadong pampagana at mabilis plus na nakakapanginig na drum and orchestra na background. Pangalawa, yung kagandahan ng kumanta panalo sa interpretation ng melody at ng lyrics. At siempre pangatlo ang Pamatay na lyrics..wooot! nabasa ko lang sa Lyrics niya na para pala ito sa mga inagawan ng oportunidad kagaya ng mga bakla at nagmomotivate sa mga well oppressed people na tumindig at lumaban kahit anung kasarian ka pa at anung kulay ka pa..well renowned para sa akin kasi nakakarelate talaga ako.. ang galing mo talaga Lady Gaga, that's why idol na idol kita sa lahat ng bagay!!..hope someday we will each other..

narito ang whole Lyrics ng song at Music Video





LADY GAGA, "BORN THIS WAY"

It doesn’t matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
’Cause you were Born This Way, Baby

VERSE:
MY MAMA TOLD ME WHEN I WAS YOUNG
WE ARE ALL BORN SUPERSTARS

SHE ROLLED MY HAIR AND PUT MY LIPSTICK ON
IN THE GLASS OF HER BOUDOIR

“THERE’S NOTHIN WRONG WITH LOVIN WHO YOU ARE”
SHE SAID, “‘CAUSE HE MADE YOU PERFECT, BABE”

“SO HOLD YOUR HEAD UP GIRL AND YOU’LL GO FAR,
LISTEN TO ME WHEN I SAY”

CHORUS:
I’M BEAUTIFUL IN MY WAY
‘CAUSE GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN THIS WAY

DON’T HIDE YOURSELF IN REGRET
JUST LOVE YOURSELF AND YOU’RE SET
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN THIS WAY

POST-CHORUS:
OOO THERE AIN’T NO OTHER WAY
BABY I WAS BORN THIS WAY
BABY I WAS BORN THIS WAY
OOO THERE AIN’T NO OTHER WAY
BABY I WAS BORN-
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN THIS WAY

DON’T BE A DRAG - JUST BE A QUEEN
DON’T BE A DRAG - JUST BE A QUEEN
DON’T BE A DRAG - JUST BE A QUEEN
DON’T BE!

VERSE:
GIVE YOURSELF PRUDENCE
AND LOVE YOUR FRIENDS
SUBWAY KID, REJOICE YOUR TRUTH

IN THE RELIGION OF THE INSECURE
I MUST BE MYSELF, RESPECT MY YOUTH

A DIFFERENT LOVER IS NOT A SIN
BELIEVE CAPITAL H-I-M (HEY HEY HEY)
I LOVE MY LIFE I LOVE THIS RECORD AND
MI AMORE VOLE FE YAH (LOVE NEEDS FAITH)

REPEAT CHORUS + POST-CHORUS

BRIDGE:
DON’T BE A DRAG, JUST BE A QUEEN
WHETHER YOU’RE BROKE OR EVERGREEN
YOU’RE BLACK, WHITE, BEIGE, CHOLA DESCENT
YOU’RE LEBANESE, YOU’RE ORIENT
WHETHER LIFE’S DISABILITIES
LEFT YOU OUTCAST, BULLIED, OR TEASED
REJOICE AND LOVE YOURSELF TODAY
‘CAUSE BABY YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY

NO MATTER GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BI,
LESBIAN, TRANSGENDERED LIFE
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN TO SURVIVE
NO MATTER BLACK, WHITE OR BEIGE
CHOLA OR ORIENT MADE
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN TO BE BRAVE

REPEAT CHORUS

OUTRO/REFRAIN:

I WAS BORN THIS WAY HEY!
I WAS BORN THIS WAY HEY!
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN THIS WAY HEY!

I WAS BORN THIS WAY HEY!
I WAS BORN THIS WAY HEY!
I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK BABY
I WAS BORN THIS WAY HEY!

Joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation & gender identity

1. We recall the previous joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, presented at the Human Rights Council in 2006;

2. We express concern at continued evidence in every region of acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity brought to the Council’s attention by Special Procedures since that time, including killings, rape, torture and criminal sanctions;

3. We affirm the General Assembly joint statement of December 18, 2008 on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, supported by States from all five regional groups, and encourage States to join the statement;

4. We commend the attention paid to these issues by international human rights mechanisms including relevant Special Procedures and treaty bodies and welcome continued attention to human rights issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity within the context of the Universal Periodic Review. As the United Nations Secretary General reminded us in his address to this Council at its Special Sitting of 25 January 2011, the Universal Declaration guarantees all human beings their basic rights without exception, and when individuals are attacked, abused or imprisoned because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the international community has an obligation to respond;

5. We welcome the positive developments on these issues in every region in recent years, such as the resolutions on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity adopted by consensus in each of the past three years by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, the initiative of the Asia-Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions to integrate these issues within the work of national human rights institutions in the region, the recommendations of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the increasing attention being paid to these issues by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, and the many positive legislative and policy initiatives adopted by States at the national level in diverse regions;

6. We note that the Human Rights Council must also play its part in accordance with its mandate to “promote universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination of any kind, and in a fair and equal manner” (GA 60/251, OP 2);

7. We acknowledge that these are sensitive issues for many, including in our own societies. We affirm the importance of respectful dialogue, and trust that there is common ground in our shared recognition that no-one should face stigmatisation, violence or abuse on any ground. In dealing with sensitive issues, the Council must be guided by the principles of universality and non-discrimination;

8. We encourage the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue to address human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity and to explore opportunities for outreach and constructive dialogue to enhance understanding and awareness of these issues within a human rights framework;

9. We recognise our broader responsibility to end human rights violations against all those who are marginalised and take this opportunity to renew our commitment to addressing discrimination in all its forms;

10. We call on States to take steps to end acts of violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, encourage Special Procedures, treaty bodies and other stakeholders to continue to integrate these issues within their relevant mandates, and urge the Council to address these important human rights issues.

Survivor SB Back to Basics

the battle begins...

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