An alleged discriminatory act against LGBTQIA+ couples happening on February 14 is making the rounds online.
On Valentine’s Day, JC Lopez posted via Twitter/X that he visited with his friends this restaurant in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) that had a promo, offering 20% for those who have with them their “S/O” (significant other). They were, however, told that that this promo was “exclusive for straight couples”.
Ate at a restaurant in BGC with my Iloilo friends na may 20% discount if you bring your S/O, only to be told na it’s exclusive for straight couples. Hahahahaha
— JC Lopez (@itsjcbtw4) February 14, 2026
Lopez eventually identified the restaurant as BBQ Chicken, located at UG, BGC Central C3, 7th Avenue in Taguig City.
Outrage Magazine already reached out to Lopez to get more details about the allegation.
Taguig City actually has an anti-discrimination ordinance, Ordinance No. 03 Series of 2018, prohibiting discrimination based on SOGIESC. It is, however, unclear about the treatment of LGBTQIA+ people in relationships, which remain illegal in the Philippines.
Outrage Magazine also reached out to BBQ Chicken via its official Facebook page and email, and a marketing consultant, Kassy Posadas, responded to the inquiry for clarification.
BBQ Chicken is aware of the “alleged misunderstanding between one of our guests and a member of our service team in relation to our Valentine’s promotion, ‘Sarang Gobaek Day’,” Posadas stated.
But at the outset, Posadas said that the promotional materials, as publicly posted across the company’s official platforms and displayed in-store, expressly stated: “Bring your partner and save up to 20% OFF, with the mechanic clearly indicating ‘COUPLES ONLY’. The term ‘partner’, as used in the promotion, was intended to refer to any partner regardless of gender. All couples (were) welcome to avail of the promotion, subject to the stated terms and conditions.”
Nonetheless, “as of this time, we are conducting a thorough and impartial internal review to ascertain the relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the incident,” Posadas said.
BBQ Chicken also “already initiated direct communication with the guest concerned through private channels and have formally conveyed our request for further details. We are presently awaiting a response to facilitate a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the matter.”
This article will be updated when there are developments.
