Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group Kapederasyon – Manila City Chapter has called for President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to be held accountable for his negligence and crimes against them, saying that Aquino ought to be “out” from his office for the various issues affecting the LGBT community under the more than four years of his administration.
Kapederasyon – Manila City Chapter made the statement as they held a fashion show protest, dubbed as “Rampaglilitis: Ang Hatol ng LGBT sa Apat na Taon ni Aquino”, days before the upcoming fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Aquino. The event was participated by members of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) – Metro Manila Chapter as part of its “Hatol ng Bayan” pre-SONA protests campaign.
“We are now breaking our silence as President Aquino remains silent and is doing nothing to improve the lives of our fellow LGBT’s nationwide. We are further coming out to call on the Aquino administration’s accountability to the various issues hounding his presidency,” Edward Peralta, spokesperson of Kapederasyon – Manila City Chapter, said.
LGBT models symbolically wore and modeled their statements against issues confronting them, including discrimination, hate crimes, HIV and health care, education budget cut, jobs and wages, prices, DAP, pork barrel, and accountability. The LGBT group insisted that as citizens of the country, they are also victims of social injustices caused by the anti-people and anti-national policies of Aquino.
“Over four years, the LGBT community has been abandoned by the Aquino government, thus we are supporting any move that will be beneficial in his coming out from office whether in form of the ongoing impeachment process, resignation or ouster,” Peralta added.
Kapederasyon – Manila City Chapter stressed that the fashion show protest was “just a dress rehearsal for a bigger ramp venue” as they join the giant rally, spearheaded by Bayan along Commonwealth Avenue on Monday, July 28, when Aquino is expected to deliver his SONA.
