Senatorial candidate Edu Manzano has expressed his support for the rights of LGBT people, and recognized the contribution of LGBT people to the country’s development.
In an Instagram post, Manzano stated: “When it comes to the LGBT community, simple lang: ‘Let Go, Be True! It’s not a lifestyle choice. We’re talking equality control. Any sector of our society is a positive contributor for our progress.”
He also said in a Bilang Pilipino 2016 interview that “I don’t think we should discriminate against anybody.”
Positing that being LGBT may be part of the genetics of LGBT people, Manzano likened the LGBT situation with natural wonders (i.e. Barramundi fish, which are protoandrous hermaphrodites – that is, they start life as males to later change gender and become females), stating that being LGBT “may not be a lifestyle choice” but may be part of their “DNA or genetics.”
Manzano entered politics in 1998 when he became vice mayor of Makati City. He ran unsuccessful campaigns for mayor of Makati City in 2001; and again for vice president of the Philippines in 2010.
