Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!

I am Frances Macalintal, the

government whip. Our side is firm in standing for legalizing marriage of
transgender in the Philippines. As we delve into progression, especially in
the modern world, conventional ideologies could only transcend as much.
While religion is a core part of being a Filipino, its roots and branches have
already plunged into the human rights of individuals.

I believe that our team’s argument favors society the most. Our first
argument is legal protection for the transgender community. In the legal
industry, there is a maxim, “Salus Populi suprema lex,” — meaning the
welfare of the people is the supreme law. No matter how much we oppose or
look, transgender people are still part of that “people.” Therefore, legal
protection applies to them. In the Philippines, statutes are mandated to have
an equal protection clause that aims to treat every individual alike —
disregarding personal beliefs whatsoever. After all, it is imperative we
recognize the separation of law and state.

Another note to also emphasize is a pressing societal issue —

overpopulation. If the government allows transgender people to marry,
adoption will be further strengthened, and the children will come home to
loving families. The adoption system in the country is not great, either.
However, with the help of transgender people who are unable to reproduce,
the government will be able to provide better support and a system for
orphans. It is true that, the government cannot handle everything alone —
which is why there is a dire need for marriage legalization for transgender
people. Especially since the Philippines see “family” as something in sanctity,
it is high time the country accepted unconventional families too.

Our third argument presents a logical opinion in topping the notch for the
LGBTQIA+ community’s rights. Simply put, civil union is only a means to
counteract the privilege of the transgender people to marriage. While civil
union is quite similar to marriage in terms of legal responsibilities and rights,
the latter is emotionally more profound as it symbolizes love and
commitment. Articles also prove that civil unions are denied their rights;
whether through wanting a joint account, wanting to add Mrs. on their
surname, or formally changing their status to marital. Civil union presents
discrimination that is not strongly protected by the law — hence, the
approval of marriage should be enacted. The 1987 Constitution explicitly
recognizes that no individual shall be denied equal protection of the law;
denying rights to the transgender people only puts the Philippines backward.
If we recognize the separation of church and state, it is also high time we
accept unconventional ideologies.

Our points all lead to a better and more inclusive Philippines. The opposing
team provided ideas that would only send the country backward. If we all
vouch and vie for equal rights, there will be equal opportunities as well,
better yet, more opportunities for everyone. We are able to give everyone a
better life if we set our personal beliefs aside and practice empathy. It is
never too late to be a real Filipino with actual humanitarian beliefs.

All in all, our team provided great insights as to why transgender marriage
should be allowed in the Philippines. Many sectors would be aided and, in
their own way, support the government in ensuring the rights of the Filipinos
are prioritized. Just like the cycle of debates for divorce, the Philippines
should take a step forward by employing a populist respective. We should
accept and tolerate everyone for who they are. These initiatives would lobby
for a safer space for Filipinos, gender-like and alike. If we condemn racism,
then it is also a must that we do the same for transphobia. Gender-based
violence is already almost normalized in the Philippines and it is only right
that we condemn them. Transgender people get little to no privilege for
being who they are. Therefore, we stand up for them. If religion despises
crimes and injustice, then there is a question to be raised why we select
people to respect.
Quoting what Megastar, Mrs. Sharon Cuneta, said, “I may be a mother with
traditional ideas, but my mind is not too tiny to not accept anyone for who
they are.” And, as the closing speaker for the government side, we rest our
case.