Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4307

Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes ]

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Margaret Mead, a renowned cultural anthropologist, once said, "If we are to
achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole
gamut of human potentialities, and so we weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in
which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place." This is precisely the primary
motivation behind this legislative proposal. Despite the fact that Filipinos nowadays
are tolerant of the community comprising of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals
and other sexual identities, many of them are still subjected to discrimination and
homophobic bullying, specifically in our educational institutions. In absence of a law
which will protect LGBTs, the State must intercede by providing LGBTs a venue or
space where they will not be isolated and alienated. One of the worst-case scenarios
which this bill seeks to avert is the commission of suicide by LGBT members because
they are not aceepted by the society. Needless to stay, our present educational system
and the prevailing cultural norms fail to recognize the needs of students struggling
with their identities, It is hoped that one day, all educational institutions in the
country shall be all-inclusive, But in the meantime, there is a need to provide an
alternative or option for them,

As enunciated in the 2014 report entitled, “Being LGBT in Asia: The
Philippines Country Report - A Participatory Review and Analysis of the Legal and
Social Environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and ‘Transgender (LGBT)
Individuals and Civil Society”, it was found out that LGBT people are subject to
discrimination, bullying and abuse under the guise of “academic freedom.” Although
educational institutions are allowed to create their own policies, LGBT issues are not
included in the curricula. While the Department of Education in 2012 issued an


order to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation regardless of sexual
orientation and gender identity; homophobia, which interferes with the mental
development of all young people dealing with issues of sexual orientation, is still
prevalent within schools. Since the issue on sexual orientation could be responded
through legislative intervention, the passage of this Bill is earnestly sought.

FLORIDA P. ROBES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HousE Bi.NcA8O7

Introduced by Representative Florida P, Robes

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION FACILITY FOR
LGBTs TO BE KNOWN AS LGBT SPECIALIST SCHOOL AND SITUATED
IN THE CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy ~ It is declared policy of the State that
no one shall be denied equal protection of laws and that we shall be governed under
the rule of law and regime of equality. Inasmuch as the State recognizes that
members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community face many
form of discrimination and prejudice which can thwart their opportunities to be
involved, included and valued in society as equals, the State shall provide a safe
social and support space, deliver high quality professional services that are
responsive to their needs and challenge the inequalities created by society.

SEC. 2. Objectives.- The objectives of this Act are to provide safe, accessible
and appropriate services, venue and support for LGBT to combat the social isolation,
exclusion and discrimination experienced by them and to promote a positive
environment that empowers those who have such sexual identities and educate those
who are not.

SEC. 3. Establishment. - There is hereby established in the City of San Jose
Del Monte, Province of Bulacan an alternative education facility for lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people which shall be known as LGBT Specialist School.

SEC. 4. General Mandate. —- The LGBT Specialist School, though
specifically designed for LGBT young people who are struggling in mainstream
schools, will not be exclusive to them. Envisioned to be an alternative education.
provider, it will operate through referral system and will offer an extensive range of
learning opportunities for all LGBTs regardless of age, race, creed and religious
orientation, as well as other professionals and individuals who seek to gain greater
awareness ‘and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other LGBT
identities. Its curriculum will be closely tailored to each LGBT’s needs and shall
incorporate academic work with youth-work techniques, sch as building self-esteem
and functional skills aimed towards boosting the potentials of LGBT people.


SEC. 5. School Site. - The LGBT Specialist School shall be in a suitable site
with an area of not less than five (5) hectares for its academic and instructional
programs, research, and development activities within the Lone Legislative District
of San Jose Del Monte, Province of Bulacan.

SEC. 6. Development Plan, - Within the period of one hundred twenty
(220) days after the approval of this Act, the Department of Education (DepEd) and
the Commission on Higher and Technical Education (CHED) shall submit a five (5)
year development plan, including its corresponding program budget and
recommendation to the Department of Budget and Management and which shall
serve as the basis for its policy decisions.

SEC. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation, — DepEd and CHED shall conduct
regular monitoring and evaluation to determine continuing compliance with the
objectives of this Act.

SEC. 8.Appropriations.- The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DepEd and CHED,
in consultation with the local chief executive and the legislative representative, shall
formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 11, Repealing Clause.- All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,