Photo credit: Senate PH

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized the urgency of acknowledging and addressing discrimination in the Philippines. Ahead of a public hearing on various bills related to the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act, Cayetano highlighted the prevalence of discrimination in society, citing the need for collective recognition of its existence.

Cayetano stressed that the Senate is united against all forms of discrimination, signaling a bipartisan commitment to combating this societal issue. The pending measures, set to be deliberated jointly by multiple Senate committees, aim to penalize discriminatory acts across various grounds, including age, race, religion, gender, and physical appearance, among others.

Recognizing the complexity of combating discrimination, Cayetano emphasized the importance of effective communication strategies and the implementation of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. He cited a lack of legislation as contributing to the persistence of unjust treatment in various situations, as discussed on his public service show with Senator Pia Cayetano and Boy Abunda.

This isn't the first time Cayetano has raised the issue of discrimination. Previously, during deliberations for the 2024 national budget, he called for comprehensive discussions at the committee level, advocating for all perspectives to be heard. He particularly emphasized the importance of dialogue on contentious grounds such as those related to sex, gender, and religion.