chers commissioners

j'ai reçu une lettre d'un commissioner de comelec ... je n'ai pas envoyé en fait cette lettre au comelec mais il y avait une site (IGHRC) que j'ai visité l'autre jour qui doit avoir envoyé la lettre pour moi. encore une fois, religion empiète sur nos droites comme citoyens.

A good day to you.

This is to acknowledge your email.

The decision was rendered by the 2nd Division, and I currently am a member of the 1st Division. I understand a Motion for Reconsideration was filed elevating the matter to the En Banc, and rest assured, I shall go over all the records and evaluate the Petition. At this point, it would be premature to discuss the Petition or action to be taken by the En Banc.

Sincerely,
Commissioner Gregorio Y. Larrazabal

On Nov 23, 2009, à 10h55, Romeo Macapobre a écrit:
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express my dismay and concern at the decision of the Commission on Election (Comelec) to deny accreditation to the Ang LADLAD party to run for a seat in the Lower House of the Philippines Congress in the May 2010 national election. Commissioners claim that Ang LADLAD advocates for "immorality" and that LGBT individuals are a "threat to the youth," and cite these as reasons for denying Ang LADLAD?s petition to be included on the party list. These claims are discriminatory and homophobic. I call on you to reverse this prejudical decision and support the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

As a secular and democratic country, the Philippines must abide by its Constitution, which states in Article 2(6) that the "separation of Church and State shall be inviolable." By rejecting Ang LADLAD's registration on the basis of individual religious beliefs of the Commissioners, the Comelec resolution is violating Constitutional guarantees and promoting discrimination, which amounts to state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia.

Likewise, under international law, the Philippines must ensure the rights to equality before the law and non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and the right to participate in government. Articles 2 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is a party, ensure that "[all] persons are equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination to the equal protection of the law" and that all rights are respected and ensured ?without distinction of any kind,? including based on sexual orientation (Human Rights Committee, Toonen v. Australia, 1994).

Furthermore, under Article 25(a) of the ICCPR and Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), "everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives." According to the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, Principle 25, people have "the right to stand for elected office, to participate in the formulation of policies affecting their welfare, and to have equal access to all levels of public service and employment in public functions... without discrimination on the basis sexual orientation or gender identity."

By denying Ang LADLAD accreditation as a political party and denying them the right to take part directly in the government of their country because of the sexual orientation, gender identity, and political views of its members, the Philippines government is violating the human rights of those members, and of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied citizens of the Philippines who seek political representation.

We respectfully request that Comelec reconsider the appeal of Ang LADLAD and grant its accreditation so that the members of the party can practice their right to participate in the upcoming May 2010 national elections and so the rights of all people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are respected.
We trust that you will give our request the attention it deserves.

Sincerely,
Romeo Macapobre
Manille,
PH

Atty. Gregorio Y. Larrazbal
Commissioner, Commission on Elections
Manila, Philippines

Mobile: (+63.917) 526.4696
Office: (+63.2) 524.3823
Email: comm_gylarrazabal@comelec.gov.ph
Twitter: goyoyl