BEHIND
THE SCENES
Alfred
P. Dizon
Manny Pacquiaos’s statement on lesbians,
gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT’s) being “masahol pa sa hayop (worse than
animals) had gone viral and earned a lot of bashing from netizens from the
absurd to the vicious.
I saw a gay man gave Pacquiao a tongue-lashing
on You-Tube complete with unprintable expletives and body language we found
rather inappropriate. Call it “resbak” in street language or getting back at
the multi-awarded global boxer for being gender-insensitive.
***
The basher talked
about Mama Dionisia having a younger boyfriend. He said the boy would not be
dating the celebrity mother if not for her money. He went on to say she had the
face of a …
Now, here comes an
“asar” saying: “Hey what’s wrong with being compared to animals? We love
animals. Animals are great. Animals love and help humans without asking
anything in return. Animals, like dogs, cats and dolphins have saved people’s
lives even without salaries.Animals don’t steal billions from impoverished
Filipinos. Most animals are better than many humans. To be compared to animals
is not an insult. It’s a compliment.”Is anybody listening out there?
***
Before this column turns
absurd, we would like to print a statement of the Cordillera People’s Alliance
by Jude Baggo, CPA information officer on Pacquiao:
Congressman Manny
Pacquiao already said sorry on his comparison that same-sex marriage is
“masahol pa sahayop”. But he cannot retract that his irresponsible and homophobic
statement can set dangerous opinion and precedent that LGBTs do not deserve
happiness and basic human rights. Pacquiao should be reminded that LGBTs have
human rights.
His disturbing
statement is a concrete proof that homophobia is still a reality in our society
and not an issue of the distant past. Despite the advance in science and
reasoning, LGBTs still suffer from homophobia, discrimination and in worst
cases, hate crimes. And like most Filipinos, majority also of LGBT suffer from
the social and economic crisis.
***
But what makes his
statement and even in his apology worst is his use of the Bible to justify his
words. Pacquiao can always believe what he thinks is best for his soul but he
should refrain using or quoting the Bible to impose morality and defend his
irrational fear or homophobia towards the LGBT communities.
The Cordillera
Peoples’ Alliance as the broadest organization of indigenous tribes in the
Cordillera is one with the LGBT communities to call on Pacquiao and all those
who think and look upon the LGBTs as second class people and even compare them
to animals to rethink and read more about LGBT.
It is not right to
compare same-sex marriage as “mas masahol pa sahayop”. It is not right to look
upon the LGBT communities as second class people.
***
CPA as an organization
recognizes and respects the rights and welfare of the LGBT communities. In
fact, as a member of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS), CPA
supports ILPS Concern No. 17 which tackles the rights of gays, lesbians,
bisexuals and transgendered people against discrimination, intolerance and
homophobia. Aside from this, CPA has been supporting and participating LGBT
concerns and major activities such as Pride Parade. In Baguio City, CPA
supports the proposed anti-discrimination resolution in the City Council.
It is high time that
LGBT rights such as same-sex marriage should be one of the top agenda of
candidates especially those running for national positions. Let the voices of
the LGBT communities be heard.
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