To “promote equality and actively eliminate all forms of discrimination that violate and offend the equal protection of human rights as stated in the country’s signed international conventions and obligations, an dother existing laws,” the City of Angeles has passed an anti-discrimination ordinance (ADO).
PO-693-08-12 – sponsored by city councilors Maricel G. Morales, Edgardo D. Pamintuan, Jr., Alexander Indiongco, and Jericho Aguas –promotes and upholds the rights of people with disability, senior citizens, children, youth, people living with HIV, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, people with different spiritual faiths, and indigenous persons.
The ADO specifically looks at discrimination happening in employment, education, delivery of goods and services, and accommodation.
While the ADO cites the Philippine Constitution, as well as international documents signed by the country that promotes human rights for all, it similarly states that “promoting and upholding their rights will not only enhance their freedom, welfare, and dignity as humans, but will also promote social justice as a whole and will contribute in the creation of a human rights culture in the country.”
The Angeles City ADO will be implemented through the Gender and Development Office, in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Any complaint shall first be lodged in the barangay concerned provided both parties are living on the same barangay, otherwise the case shall be filed in court for appropriate action.
Except when violations are committed against existing national laws, penalties for violations of individuals of the ADO could range from a fine of not less than P1,000 but not to exceed P5,000 plus imprisonment of not less than 60 days but not to exceed one year.
Penalties for violations of business establishments of the ADO could range from a fine of not less than P1,000 but not to exceed P3,000 as first offense; a fine of P3,000 but not to exceed P5,000 and a warning on the second offense; and imprisonment of the Operation Manager and immediate supervisor of not less than 60 days but not to exceed one year and closure of establishment.
A registered nurse, John Ryan (or call him "Rye") Mendoza hails from Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao (where, no, it isn't always as "bloody", as the mainstream media claims it to be, he noted). He first moved to Metro Manila in 2010 (supposedly just to finish a health social science degree), but fell in love not necessarily with the (err, smoggy) place, but it's hustle and bustle. He now divides his time in Mindanao (where he still serves under-represented Indigenous Peoples), and elsewhere (Metro Manila included) to help push for equal rights for LGBT Filipinos. And, yes, he parties, too (see, activists need not be boring! - Ed).
