SAMPLE LETTER

Hon. Manuel B. Villar Jr.

President
Philippine Senate

Dear Senator Villar:

I am writing to you as a member of the international human rights community deeply

concerned about ending discrimination toward lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders
throughout Filipino society. I understand that on August 9, 2006, the Committee on
Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development held a hearing on SBN 1738, a
bill that provides comprehensive protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation and gender identity in employment, education, as well as medical and public
facilities, among other realms. I wish to extend my gratitude to the Committee on Labor,
Employment and Human Resources Development for its support to this important
measure.

The goal of human and civil rights measure is to protect all persons equally, without
distinction or discrimination. By enshrining protections against abuse and discrimination
on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, an anti-discrimination legislation
advances the promise of the universality of rights. These are not claims to "new rights" or
to "special rights", but rather extend protections for human dignity to include the most
vulnerable groups in society, and to publicize and prevent the least visible and most
easily concealed violations.

The United Nations Committee on Human Rights also noted the worthy efforts of the
Philippine House of Representatives to legislate measures to end discrimination on the basis
of sexual orientation. The body urges the Congress and the Philippine government to
immediately approve the legislation.

In adopting this legislation, the Philippines would join the rapidly growing ranks of
countries around the world--including South Africa, Fiji, Brazil, Ecuador, the
Netherlands, Israel, and Costa Rica--that recognize the importance of national-level anti-
discrimination legislation in the fulfillment of international human rights standards.
Indeed, within an atmosphere of stigma, discrimination, and lack of social acceptance
toward any social group, enshrining protection in law is essential not only as a deterrent
to discrimination and statement of values, but also as an educative tool in itself.
The bill’s enactment affirms the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International
Convention on Civil and Political Rights, International Convention on Social and Economic
Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women, among others.

I respectfully urge you to approve SBN 1738 immediately.

Thank you for your efforts to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation--and
concern ultimately for the human rights of all persons in the Philippines.

Sincerely,

CC: HON. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

Chairperson,
Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development
Philippine Senate