Reading Material Gender and Society Final Chap 20 26

Republic of the Philippines
Lyceum of Alabang
Km. 30 National Road, Brgy. Tunasan
Muntinlupa City
MODULE TEXT #4
LESSON 20 DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

GENDER IDENTITY, AND EXPRESSION (SOGIE) IN THE PHILIPPINES
Lesson Objectives:
This lesson discusses about the widespread and systematic human

rights violations and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,
gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) persisting in the Philippines. The
discussion will pertain the acts of discrimination to the various rights which
the members of LGBTQ posses. At the end of this module, you should be
able to:
1. understand the issues on human rights violations and discrimination

on the basis of SOGIE;
2. understand the impact of human rights violations and discrimination

to the Filipino society; and
3. formulate activities and programs to address these human rights

violations and discrimination on the basis of SOGIE.
Definition of terms:
1. SOGIE – an acronym for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and

Expression-aspects of gender of persons which must be considered and
given attention.
2. Anti-Discriminatory Bill – a proposed legislation before the

Philippine Congress intended to prevent various economic and public
accommodation-related acts of discrimination against people based on their
SOGIE
Introduction
The Universal Policy
Articles 2(1), 3, and 26 of the Convention provide for the respect,

equality, and non-discrimination of all individuals on the grounds of, inter
alia, race, color, and sex.
In the landmark decision of Toonen v. Australia in 1994, it is found not

only that the reference to “sex” in Articles 2(1) and 26 must be taken to
Prepared by: Prof. Luchi P. Sereneo Noted & approved by: Leah
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
include sexual orientation, but also that laws which criminalize consensual
homosexual acts expressly violate the privacy protections of the law
National and Local Policies
LGUs from different cities all over the Philippines have been proactive in
passing and filing city ordinances banning LGBT discrimination.
Presently, the Anti-Discriminatory Bill is still pending before the

Congress. This bill is expected to be signed into a law before the end of the
Duterte Administration. Prior to these bills, several LGUs have enacted
ordinances and resolution to address these issues.
In Quezon City, anti-discrimination in employment was enacted 1n 2004

and LGBT – friendly provisions are supplemented in the Quezon City
Gender and Development Ordinance. Albay Province and Bacolod City
passed an anti-discrimination ordinance. Angeles City not only passed anti-
discrimination legislation, but created a Gay Desk as well.
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Raymond Palatino of the

Kabataang Partylist filed House Resolution No. 1333, which seeks to
investigate prejudicial, discriminatory, and unjust practices and policies
against LGBT students implemented and tolerated in schools, partnering
with the DepEd and other government agencies to explore the inclusion of a
Comprehensive Gender Curriculum on basic and secondary education and
in vocational and technical schools to incorporate discussion on issues of
LGBT persons.
In May of 2012, the DepEd Order No. 40 or, “The DepEd Child Protection
Policy” to guarantee the protection of children in schools from any form of
violence, abuse, or exploitation regardless of sexual orientation and gender
identity.
Effect of State Discrimination in Society
The State’s treatment of LGBT individuals intensifies discrimination on

the basis of SOGIE within Philippines society and social institutions.
Being young and not conforming to the gender roles assigned to one’s
sex increases the risk of discrimination and abuses for LGBT persons. This
victimization is aggravated by the absence of support mechanisms and
school policies addressing this concern, as well as the failure of schools to
safeguard students from being abused by other students., staff,
administrators, and teachers. The discrimination LGBT students face in
schools not only violates the rights to be free from discrimination but
prevents these individuals from the enjoyment of numerous other rights in
the Covenant as well.
Homophobia, the stigma and prejudice toward LGBT persons, are very
present within Filipino society, creating a dangerous climate of hostility
toward LGBT people.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
LGBT youth are often targeted by parents who, upon discovering their
child’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity, feel compelled to inflict
physical harm on them out of frustration or in an attempt to prevent their
child from expressing their sexuality.
Discrimination by the Catholic Church
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and

Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL) has been fervently
demanding Congress for the removal of “sex, gender, sexual orientation
and gender identity” in the comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinances
filed in the Senate and in the House of Representatives claiming that its
inclusion will only “create problems regarding ethics, marriage, the family
and religious freedom” and reasons that “the difference in sex or gender
does not belong to the same level as the difference in race, color, religion,
or ethnicity”.
Antagonists of the anti-discrimination bill claim that the passage of an

anti-discrimination legislation will open the door for same-sex marriages. A
provision allowing for same-sex marriage was not present in the anti-
discrimination bill at the time of its introduction first filing and has never
been added.
Participation of the members of LGBTQ+ IN Public Life
Article 25 of the Convention provides for the right of each citizen to

participate in public affairs, to vote, and to have equal access to public
services in the country. These rights are provided free of unreasonable
restriction and free from distinction made on the basis of sex’ which as
mentioned above, includes sexual orientation.
Discrimination in the Military
Through their media announcements, it seems on the surface that the

Philippine military and the police are adhering to the non-discrimination
clause of the Philippine Constitution (Art 2)and the ICCPR by its declaration
of openness to admit gays, lesbians, and bisexual persons in military and
police services.
Upon closer inspection, the additional conditions required from gay,

lesbian and bisexual applicants and cadets demonstrate lingering
prejudices and negative stereotypes toward LGBT person. Also, the
military’s apparent strict adherence exclusively towards heterosexist gender
binary (masculine and feminine) roles discriminate against those that fall
short to tis standard and are considered as the benchmark of what
constitutes being decent, proper and respectful.
The generalized negative stereotyping of LGBT persons and the

misconception that a person’s sexual orientation defines one’ gender
expression are most evident on the common position of the AFP, PNP, and
PMA towards gay and effeminate behavior.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
The identification of sources of discrimination is vital so that you will

know how these acts are committed of performed by the social institutions,
their respective actors. The unified output can result to a class program or
activity addressing this concern.
Summary
Discrimination of people based on SOGIE is widespread in the

Philippines. International and local policies are in place to address this
prevailing issue, yet some institutions still spread this ill issue. What is clear
is that everyone, including students, must act to resolve this issue.
LESSON 21: UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Lesson Objectives:
This module explains the various theoretical perspectives on Sexual

Harassment. Also, this module discusses the laws of the Philippines on
Sexual Harassment in the academe and in the workplace. At the end of this
module, you are expected to:
1. understand fully the various theoretical perspectives on Sexual

Harassment;
2. distinguish the various theoretical perspectives on Sexual Harassment

from each other; and
3. understand the laws of the Philippines on Sexual Harassment in the

academe and in the workplace.
 Sexual Harassment – it is an act or a series of acts involving any

unwelcome sexual advance, request, or demand for a sexual favor, or
other verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature, committed by a
government employee or official in a work related, training, or
educational related environment.
Introduction
Sexual Harassment
Harassment and sexual harassment are recognized as a form of

discrimination on the grounds of sex and, thus, are contrary to the principle
of equal treatment between men and women (Numhuser-Henning and
Laulom 2012).
Like many other crimes, sexual harassment is all about power, control,
and domination. International Labor Organization (ILO) (2000) defined
sexual harassment as a sex-based behavior that is unwelcome and
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
offensive to the recipient. Thus, sexual harassment is not merely a problem

of safety and health and unacceptable working conditions, but is also a form
of violence primarily against women (ILO 1992).
In the Philippines. Republic Act No. 7877 or the “Anti-Sexual Harassment

Act of 1995” defines work. Education. Or training-related sexual harassment
is committed by an employer, employee, manager, supervisor, agent of the
employer, teacher, instructor, professor, coach, trainor, or any other person
who, having authority, influence, or moral ascendancy over another in a
work or training or education environment, demands, requests, or otherwise
requires any sexual favors from the other, regardless of whether the
demand, request, or requirement for submission is accepted by the object
of said Act.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual Harassment could not be understood from the perspective of a

single theory, but it is always a combination of different predictors. Previous
researchers have looked at sexual harassment using a number of
frameworks including organizational approach, feminist theory, role theory,
and attributional models of sexual harassment. However, all these models
share common basic assumptions and can be labelled as socio-cultural
models of sexual harassment (Sheets and Braver 1999).
However, there have been five widely accepted theories of sexual

harassment that attempts to explain the phenomenon from different angles
and perspective, to wit:
1. Natural/Biological Theory
According to this model, men have stronger sex drives, and are
therefore, biologically motivated to engage in sexual pursuits of women.
Thus, the harassing behavior is not meant to be offensive or discriminatory,
but is merely the result of biological urges. Its assumptions include a
natural, mutual attraction between men and women, a stronger male sex
drive, and men in the role of sexual initiators. A key strength of the
natural/biological perspective is that it acknowledges the innate human
instincts potentially driving sexually aggressive behavior (Tangri et al.
1982).
2. Sex Role Spillover Theory
This theory is based on the proposition of irrelevant gender-based role

expectations that individuals bring to the workplace in guiding their
interactions with women. Men hold role perceptions of women based on
their traditional role in our culture.
When women takes job outside of these gender-based expextations

when interacting with women therefore, perceiving women in their gender
role over and above their work role. Therefore, men are more likely to
sexualize their experiences, including work experiences, and are therefore,
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
more likely to make sexual remarks or engage in sexualized behavior, thus

accounting for the fact that women experience more sexual harassment
than men (Barbara Gutek 1982).
3. Organizational Theory
Proponents of this theory propose that one of the central concepts that
helps to explain sexual harassment is power (Cleveland and Kurst 1993).
This theory proposes that sexual harassment results from the opportunities
presented by power and authority relations which derive from hierarchal
structures of organizations (Gruber 1992).
This perspective emphasizes that the structure of organizational

hierarchy invests power in certain individuals over others, that can lead to
abuse. Thus, sexual harassment is all about expression of male power over
women that sustain patriarchal relations.
4. Socio-cultural Theory
Socio-Cultural Theories examine the wider social and political context in

which sexual harassment is created and occurs. According to this
perspective, sexual harassment is a logical consequence of the gender
inequality and sexism that already exist in society (Gutek 1985; Thomas and
Kitzinger 1997).
This theory asserts that women’s lesser status in the larger society is
reflected at the workplace structures and culture-thus, male dominance
continues to be the rule.
Herein, sexual harassment is only one manifestation of a much larger

patriarchal system in which men are the dominant group reflecting the
larger society’s differential distribution of power and ststus between the
sexes. The perpetrators of sexual harassment have no regard for women as
an equal human being. Therefore, molesting women is a part and parcel of
male idea of fun in the society.
5. Feminist Theory
According to the feminist perspective, sexual harassment is linked to the

sexist male ideology of male dominance and male superiority in the society.
Therefore, feminists’ theories view sexual harassment as a product of a
gender system maintained by a dominant, normative form of masculinity.
Thus, sexual harassment exists because of the views on women as the
inferior sex, but also sexual harassment serves to maintain the already
existing gender stratification by emphasizing sex role expectations (Gutek
1985).
Relevance of Sexual Harassment Theories
An interpretation of these theoretical perspective reveals that both

biologically, as well as socio-culturally, men happen to have always
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
occupied a dominant position over women in societies, of which the

workplace are only a part.
Considerable data have been accumulated confirming that harassment id

widespread in both public (Culbertson et al. 1997) and the private sectors
and it has significant consequences for the employees’ health and
psychological well-being (Fitzgerald 1993;; Schneider et al. 1997).
Therefore, the vulnerability of women as a weaker sex has traveled

towards workplaces and academe, where it is considered natural and
normal for men to be responding sexually towards women as colleagues,
subordinates, and superiors.
Philippine Laws on Sexual Harassment
Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA
7877, is the governing law for work, education, or training related sexual
harassment.
Specifically, in a work-related or employment environment, sexual

harassment is committed when:
1. The sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring or in the

employment, re-employment or continued employment of said individual, or
in granting said individual favorable compensation, terms of conditions,
promotions, or privileges; or the refusal to grant the sexual favor results in
limiting, segregating, or classifying the employee which in any way would
discriminate, deprive, or diminish employment opportunities or otherwise,
adversely affect said employee;
2. The above acts would impair the employee’s rights or privileges under
existing labor laws; or
3. The above acts would result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

environment for the employee.
On the other hand, in an education or training environment sexual

harassment is committed:
1. against one who is under the care, custody, or supervision of the

offender;
2. against one whose education, training, apprenticeship, or tutorship is

entrusted to the offender;
3. when the sexual favor is made a condition to the giving of a passing

grade, granting of honors and scholarships, or the payment of a stipend,
allowance or other benefits, privileges, or consideration; or
4. when the sexual advances result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

environment for the student, trainee, or apprentice.
Sexual Harassment in the Civil Service

Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
Sexual Harassment in the Civil Service is punishable by Civil Service

Commission No. 01-0940, also known as Administrative Disciplinary Rules
on Sexual Harassment Cases.
Here, sexual harassment can be committed at the following places;
1. in the premises of the workplace or office or of the school or training

institution;
2. in any place where the parties were found, as a result of work or

education or training responsibilities or relations;
3. at work, education. Or training-related social functions;
4. while on official business outside the office or school or training

institution or during work, school, or training-related travel;
5. at official conferences, for a, symposia, or training sessions; or
6. by telephone, cellular phone, fax machines, or electronic mail.
The following forms of sexual harassment are committed through:
(1) Physical – a. malicious touching b. overt sexual advances c. gestures

with lewd insinuation
(2) Verbal, such as but not limited to – a. request or demands for sexual
favors b. lurid remarks
(3) Use of objects, pictures or graphics, letters, or written notes with sexual
underpinnings
(4) Other forms analogous to the foregoing.
Summary
Sexual harassment constitutes an extremely important kind of violence

which has been existing and rampant in the Philippines and worldwide. This
complex concept consists of several theories and are punished by
Philippine laws.
The Philippine laws on sexual harassment punishes work-related,

training, and education environment sexual harassment. It can happen
everywhere. The acts of sexual harassment are also punishable by law.
LESSON 22: WOMEN’S ISSUES IN DEVELOPMENT
Lesson Objectives:
1. understand fully the principle, model, and concept of WID WAD AND
GAD;
2. distinguish the three (WID,WAD, and GAD) from each other; and
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
3. determine the importance of these three principles to national

development.
 Development – the process in which someone or something grows or

change and becomes more advanced
 Women in development – approach of development projects that
emerged in the 1960s calling for treatment of women’s issues in
development projects
 Women and development – approach comes from the perspective
that equality will be essential to improving women’s positions, but
still frames change in terms of providing women access to the
productive sector
 Gender and development – was developed in the 1980s, stepped
away from both WID and WAD and was founded in socialist feminist
ideology (Rathgeber- 1990, 493). The GAD approach holds that the
oppression of women stems largely from a neoliberal focus on
improving women’s reproductive and productive capacities.
Introduction
Women in Development (WID)
By the 1970s, it became clear that women were being left out of
development. They were not benefitting significantly from it and in some
instances their existing status and position in society were actually
worsened by development.
The Women in Development (WID) approached this issue-the

exclusion of women from development program and approaches. WID
saw women as a group that lacks opportunity to participate in
development.
The main task, therefore, was to improve women’s access to

resources and their participation in development. The WID approach
emphasized the importance of the integration of women into
development programs and planning. Accordingly, this was the best way
to improve women’s position in society.
The WID approach, although it had limitations, increased the visibility

of women’s issues at the United Nations (UN) and other international
development agencies. The UN declared that the decade was the
establishment of women in development structures or machineries.
In Zambia, for instance, it was during this time that the Women’s
League of the then ruling political party, United National Independence
Party (UNIP), was formed as the national machinery to address women’s
development issues.
WID served as the starting point of making known to the International

community that the sector of women has to be part of programs for
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Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
development. Likewise, several remarkable programs, activities, and

initiatives must be noted as these also began the strides for women
empowerment.
Women and Development (WAD)
As a result of criticism of the WID approach, the Women and

Development (WAD) approach arose in the latter part of the 1970s.
Adopting a Marxist feminist approach, the main argument of WAD
asserts that women have always been important economic actors.
The work they do both inside and outside of the household is critical
to the maintenance of society. However, this integration have only
served to sustain global inequalities. In other words, the WID approach
that placed emphasis on integrating women into development was not
correct.
The main focus of WAD is on the interaction between women and

development processes rather than purely on strategies to integrate
women into development.
WAD saw both men and women as not benefitting from the global
economic structures because of disadvantages due to class and the way
wealth is distributed. WAD argued that the integration of women into
development was to their disadvantage and only made their inequality
worse. WAD saw global inequalities as the main problem facing poor
countries and the citizens of those countries.
On the other hand, WAD has been criticized for assuming that the
position of women will improve if and when international structures
become more equitable. It sees women’s positions as primarily within
the structure of international and class inequalities.
WAD even underplays the role of patriarchy in undermining women’s

development and does not adequately address the question of social
relations between men and women and their impact on development.
Gender and Development (GAD)
In the 1980s. further reflections on the development experiences of

women gave rise to Gender and Development (GAD). It brought together
both the lessons learned from, and the limitations of, the WIG and WAD
approaches.
GAD looks as the impact of development on both women and men. It

seeks to ensure that both women and men participate in and benefit
equally from development and so, emphasizes equality of benefit and
control. It recognizes that women may be involved in development, but
not necessarily benefit from it.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
GAD is not concerned with women exclusively. But with the way in
which gender relations allot specific roles, responsibilities, and
expectations between men and women, often to the detriment of women.
This approach also pays particular attention to the oppression of

women in the family or the private sphere” of women’s lives. As a result,
we have been projects develop addressing issues such as VAW GAD
focuses on the social or gender relations (i.e. the division of Labor)
between men and women in society and seeks to address issues of
access and control over resources and power.
GAD goes further than the other approaches in emphasizing both the
reproductive and productive role of women and argues that it is the
state’s responsibility to support the social production role mostly played
by women of caring and nurturing of children. As such, it treats
development as a complex process that is influenced by political social,
and economic factors rather than as a state or stage of development.
Practical Approaches to the Development of Women
The Welfare Approach
Until the early 1970s, development programs addressed the needs of

women almost entirely within the context of their reproductive roles. The
focus was on mother and child health, child-care, and nutrition.
Population control-or family planning as it later came to be known-was a
major focus as well due to the link made between population growth and
poverty. The focus was clearly on meeting practical needs.
The assumptions that women’s position would improve together with

general improvements in the economy, or with the economic positions
of their husbands, began to be challenged as it became clear that
women were in fact losing out.
The Equity Approach
Feminist calls for gender equality were important in bringing about

this approach, the main aim of which was to eliminate discrimination. It
emphasized the re-valuing of women’s contribution and share of
benefits from development. The equity approach also dealt with both the
productive and reproductive roles as a responsibility of government.
The equity approach, in contrast to the welfare approach, saw women

as active participants organizing to bring about necessary changes.
The Anti-Poverty Approach
This approach focuses on both the productive and reproductive role

of women with an emphasis on satisfaction of basic needs and the
productivity of women.
The Efficiency Approach
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
The efficiency approach aims to have increased production and

economic growth with an emphasis on full use of human resources.
Advocates of this approach argue that gender analysis makes good
economic sense. This is because understanding men’s and women’s
roles and responsibilities as part of the planning of development
activities helps improve effectiveness and ensures that women, as well
as men, can play their part in national development.
The efficiency approach succeeded in bring the concerns about

women and gender into the mainstream of development. However, this
was done with a focus on what women could do for development, rather
than on what development could do for women.
The Empowerment Approach
The aim of the empowerment approach is to increase the self-reliance

of women and to influence change at the policy, legislative, societal,
economic, and other levels to their advantage. Its main strategy is
awareness-raising and situates women firmly as active participants in
ensuring change to take place.
The empowerment approach has been instrumental in ensuring that

opportunities are opened for women to determine their own needs.
However, empowerment has often been misunderstood to be an end
rather than a means. This has resulted in poor women becoming very
knowledgeable about issues while realizing little change to their material
situation, which is often dire.
Summary
WID, WAD, and GAD evolved towards achieving women

empowerment since the mid-19th century and up to the present. Aside
from that, several practical approaches had been utilized to underscore
the role of women in nation-building and vice-versa. The evolution of
these theories and approaches only state that women empowerment is a
developing principle, alongside development of the country.
LESSON 23: GENDER INEQUALITY IN MARRIAGE AND CRIMINAL
LAWS
Lesson Objectives:
1. understand fully gender inequality in marriage and criminal laws;
2. determine the status of gender inequality in selected provisions of

these laws; and
3. assess provisions on the proposed same-sex marriage legislations.
Definition of Terms:
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
 Marriage – a special contract of permanent union between a man and

a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of
conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an
inviolable social institution
Introduction
Marriage laws in the Philippines are only based on sex and not on
gender. In the 1987 Philippine Constitution, marriage is stated as “an
inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be
protected by the State:. (Art. XV, Section 2, 1987 Constitution)
Under the Family Code, marriage is defined as “a special contract of

permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in
accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family
life(Article 1, The Family Code of the Philippines).
The fact that the specific law provides marriage only for a man and a
woman, causes exclusion of homosexual relationships as it only
accommodates heterosexual ones. This deprives members of the
LGBTQ+ of this Constitutionally-enshrined light right, afforded
supposedly to every Filipino. Flowing from that definition, succeeding
provisions of marital laws in the Philippines are anchored on the above
inequality.
Apart from marital laws, various personal laws present this picture of
inequality in ints provisions. The crime of adultery presents harsher
requisites than the crime of concubinage (Articles 333 and 334 of the
Revised Penal Code) Vagrants and prostitutes pertain only to women
(Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code). Gender equality issues on night
work prohibition (Article 130 of the Labor Code), disputable
presumptions (Rule 131 , Section 3jj of the Rules of Court) and removal
of criminal liability for rapists under RA # 8353 should also be visited.
Incorporating gender inequality in various laws are vital to be

addressed as otherwise, this ill concept will further be proliferated.
THE PRIMACY OF THE DECISION OF THE HUSBAND/FATHER
Under the Article 14 of the Family Code of the Philippines, it is

provided that:
“Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having
been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of
eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of
the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to
their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or
persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such
consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who
personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form
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Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested

before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal
manifestations shall be recorded in both applications for marriage
license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to
said applications,” (Emphasis supplied)
On the administration and employment of community property or

conjugal partnership, Articles 96 and 124 of the Family Code provides
that:
“Art. 96. The administration and enjoyment of the community

property shall belong to both spouses jointly. In case of disagreement,
the husband’s decision shall prevail, subject to recourse to the court by
the wife for proper remedy, which must be availed of within five years
from the date of the contract implementing such decision xxx”.
“Art. 124. The administration and enjoyment of the conjugal

partnership shall belong to both spouses jointly. In case of
disagreement, the husband’s decision shall prevail, subject to recourse
to the court by the wife for proper remedy, which must be availed of
within five years from the date the contract implementing such decision
x x.”
On the exercise of parental authority over the person and legal

guardianship over the property of common children, Articles 211 and
225 of the Family Code states that:
“Art. 211. The father and mother shall jointly exercise parental authority
over the persons of their common children. In case of disagreement, the
father’s decision shall prevail, unless there is a judicial order to the
contrary x x x” (Emphasis supplied.)
“Art. 225. The father and the mother shall jointly exercise legal
guardianship over the property of the un-emancipated common child
without the necessity of a court appointment. In case of disagreement,
the father’s decision shall prevail, unless there is a judicial order to the
contrary. x x x.” (Emphasis supplied)
The crimes of adultery and concubinage include the concept of

marital infidelity.Adultery involves a wife who engages into sexual
intercourse with a man not her husband. On the other hand,
concubinage involves a husband who has: (1) sexual intercourse with a
woman not his wife under scandalous circumstances; (2) kept another
woman in the conjugal home; or (3) cohabiting with another woman in
another dwelling.
Here, for the crime of adultery to be proven-the mere sexual

intercourse with a man not her husband -will suffice. In contrast, for the
crime of adultery-the sexual intercourse must be committed under
scandalous circumstances-not a mere sexual intercourse.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
The wife in an adultery case incurs a higher penalty than that for an
erring husband in concubinage. A penalty of imprisonment is also
imposable on paramour in adultery, but only the penalty of destierro or
banishment falls on the concubine in concubinage.
FORGIVENESS CLAUSE IN THE CRIME OF RAPE (RA 8353 OR THE

ANTI-RAPE LAW)
The Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353) contains a clause that can easily
exonerate the offender and can further endanger the victim.
In the law, it was stated that: “ subsequent valid marriage between the
offender and the offended party shall extinguish the criminal action or
the penalty imposed.”
This gives an easy-way out for the offender, which in effect, does not
bar him from committing the crime.
Further, it also recognizes that “if the offender is the legal husband x
x x the subsequent forgiveness by the wife who is the offended party x x
x shall extinguish the criminal action or the penalty.”
This perpetuates violence under the shroud of marriage which can

perpetuate these kinds of abuses for a long period of time.
EXCLUSIVE DEFINITION OF PROSTITUTION
Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code, amended by Republic Act No

10158, retained the decades-old definition of prostitutes as “women who,
for money or profit, habitually engage in sexual intercourse or lascivious
conduct x x x”.
Following this definition, a man who peddles sexual acts for profit, is
in effect, invisible in the eyes of law, thus, making the actor thereof
immune to imprisonment.
Summary
The Family Code, which contains marital laws and provisions, include
provisions which depict gender inequality. Legislations on “Same Sex
Marriage” are good initiatives to address this issue on gender inequality
in marital laws. Criminal laws are not that different as clearly, some
provisions therein, favor the male sex over the female sex. Worse, this
pertains to crimes, involving penalties for imprisonment.
LESSON 24: CRITIQUE on the RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD and

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT of 2012, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354 also
known as RH LAW
Lesson Objectives:
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
1. understand fully the background, rationale, salient provisions and

potential impacts of the “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
Health Act of 2012” or RA 10354; and
2. have a stand/position on whether he/she agrees/disagrees on the

existence and legality of the said law.
Introduction
As you will notice, it is quite common for your grandparents have 7

(seven) or eight (8) siblings. Some even have more. This is not the
common place nowadays, as most couples settle for two (2) or three (3)
kids, that is why most of you have few siblings unlike previous times.
This phenomenon is very simple-rearing children became costly in

terms of time and resources.
Rationale of the RH Law
The “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012”

or RA 10354, also known as the “ RH Law” was primarily enacted on a
vision that the poor will have access to Reproductive Health (RH) goods
and services which they can not afford. With this law, the poor will likely
have sufficient access to information about the proper use and
effectiveness of these RH products.
However, RH Law was depicted by paintings of promoting abortion

and abortifacient products – thus, sinful and frowned upon by the
Catholic Church.
Elements of RH Law
The elements of the recently enacted RH Law are as follows:
1. family planning information and services;
2. maternal, infant, and child health and nutrition, including breast

feeding;
3. prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion

complications;
4. adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance and

counseling;
5. prevention and management of reproductive tract infections

(RTIs), HIV/AIDS, and STIs;
6. elimination of VAWC and other forms of sexual and GBV;
7. education and counselling on sexuality and reproductive health;
8. treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other

gynecologic conditions and disorders;
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
9. male responsibility and involvement and men’s RH;
10. prevention, treatment, and management of infertility and sexual

dysfunction;
11. RH education for the adolescents; and
12. mental health aspect of reproductive health care.
Salient provisions
Midwives for skilled birth attendance: The law mandates every city
and municipality to employ an adequate number of midwives and other
skilled attendants.
Emergency obstetric care: Each province and city shall ensure the
establishment and operation of hospitals with adequate facilities and
qualified personnel that provide emergency obstetric care.
Hospital – based family planning: The Law requires family planning

services like ligation, vasectomy, and intrauterine device (IUD)
placement to be available in all government hospitals.
Contraceptives as essential medicines: Reproductive health

products shall be considered essential medicines and supplies and shall
form part of the National Drug Formulary.
Reproductive health education: RH education shall be taught by

adequately trained teachers in an age-appropriate manner.
Employers’ responsibilities: Employers shall respect the

reproductive health rights of all their workers. Women shall not be
discriminated against in the matter of hiring., regularization of
employment status, or selection for retrenchment. Employers shall
provide free reproductive health services and education to workers.
Capability building of community based volunteer workers.

Community-based workers shall under go additional and updated
training on the delivery of reproductive health care services and shall
receive not less than 10% increase in honoraria upon successful
completion of training.
Prohibited Acts
The law also provides for penalties for persons who perform certain
prohibited acts such as the following:
 Knowingly (with malicious intent) withholding or impeding the

dissemination of information about the program and services
provided for in this Act or intentionally giving out incorrect
information.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
 Refusing to perform voluntary ligation and vasectomy and other legal

and medical-safe reproductive health care services on any person of
legal age on the ground of lack of spousal consent or authorization;
 Refusing to provide reproductive health care services to an abused
minor and /or abused pregnant minor, whose condition is certified to
be an authorized DSWS official or personnel, even without parental
consent particularly when the parent concerned is the perpetrator;
 Refusing to extend reproductive health care services and information
on account of the patient’s civil status, gender or sexual orientation,
age, religion, personal circumstances, and nature of work: Provided
that all conscientious objections of health care service providers
based on religious grounds hall be respected: Provided, further, that
the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person
seeking such care and services to another health care service
provider within the same facility or one who is conveniently
accessible. Provided, finally, that the patient is not in an emergency
or serious case, as defined in RA 8344, penalizing the refusal of
hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical
treatment and support in emergency and serious cases; and
 Requiring a female applicant or employee, as a condition for
employment or continued employment, to involuntarily undergo
sterilization, tubal ligation, or any other form of contraceptive
method.
Legislating RH
The road to an enactment of the RH Law was a painstaking path. The

main blockade was the constitutional provision, particularly that provided in
Article II, Sec.12 of the 1987 Constitution which mandates that:
“The State recognizes the sanctity of life …It shall equally protect the life
of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception.”
In this regard, the 1987 Constitution itself mandates that the Philippine
government must recognize the importance of life and protect the life of the
mother and unborn.
Inasmuch as artificial family planning methods (i.e.IUDs, condoms) are

labeled as “anti-life” and against conception, these are interpreted to be
against the sanctity of life-making them contrary to the said fundamental
law of the land. In addition, these “pro-life” groups strongly advocate the
use of natural methods (i…e…, abstinence, calendar methods).
On the other hand, advocates of the RH Law, counter this concept of

proliferating abortion or abortifacient products by scientific findings which
claimed otherwise.
What these debates are missing out is clearly the spirit of the law- to
allow women to choose freely whatever method of family planning is fit and
appropriate to them. Claiming that one is better as compared to the other
delimits these supposedly “free choice” that women truly deserve.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
The Long Political Battle
Talks about a unified reproductive health policy had been roaming the
spheres of the Philippine government way back the 1960s with the creation
of the Population Commission as a measure of population control to
manage high fertility rates and alleviate poverty. Henceforth, the backlash of
the CBCP was unrelenting.
The RH Law which was finally enacted in 2012, was a product of a 14-year
struggle. After its enactment, lobbyist of the law thought that victory was
already achieved. However, in March 2013, the law was challenged before
the SC of the Philippines, delaying its full implementation. A year after, the
was held to be valid, except for clauses therein., that allowed minors to
access reproductive health services without the written consent of a
guardian and penal measures for government officials who did not
implement the law.
In 2015, a further temporary restraining order (TRO) issued again by the

nation’s SC prevented the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the
Philippines from procuring, distributing, or issuing new certificates of
product registration on more than 50 different contraceptives, allowing
many licenses to eventually expire.
The TRO was launched after the FDA registered a contraceptive implant
called Implanon, which accordingly, could be used to induce abortion. Two
(2) years after the said TRO, the FDA then certified that Implanon and
Implanon NXT are not abortifacients.
With the TRO finally lifted, the Department of Health now freely
distributes contraceptives to their regional offices and to various NGOs.
Summary
The “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012”, or

RA 10354, was a truly Landmark legislation which has the noblest intention
of allowing women, especially those who are poor, to have a choice on their
family planning methods.
It is a given fact that the Catholic Church will vehemently oppose this
move and will keep doing so because of what they believe in and what they
fight for. This exercise of arguments only strengthens our democratic
institution and citizenry as more people become aware of what the law is all
about and what it provides.
No matter the debates and the long winding journey, the RH Law is now
implemented and it is expected that all actors must comply to the same. As
can be seen, the RH Law is replete with substantial provisions envisioning
an empowered Filipino woman with choices in her life.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY
LESSON 25: GENDER AND LABOR
Lesson Objectives:
This module discusses relationship of gender, gender equality, and

labor. This also covers the policies on gender equality in the labor market.
Further, this module tackles the status of gender equality in the various
sectors of the labor market.
1. understand fully the relationship of gender, gender equality and labor;
2. determine the status of gender equality in the various sectors of the labor
market; and
3. comprehend salient policies on gender equality in the labor market.
 Labor – activities pertaining to developing goods and delivering

services for economic reasons
 Workforce – a sector in the population engaged in economic and
productive activities
Introduction
Women face different constraints from men in the labor market. This is
recognized in Republic Act 9710, known as the Magna Carta of Women,
enacted in 2009.
This act recognizes that equality of men and women entails the abolition
of the unequal structures and practices that perpetuate discrimination and
inequality (PCW 2010). In connection with employment, the Philippine
Commission on Women (PCW) indicates that the Magna Carta of Women
will level the playing field by making productive resources and economic
opportunities equally available for both men and women.
It is further noted that generally, women do not control family properties

and decision-making rights on the use of income, further limiting
opportunities to break the poverty cycle.
The reality is that once a child is born, she/he does not know how to do
any work.
As children go up, they learn to do various works, but society

encourages them do certain specific work, e.g. girls are asked to help in
cooking and cleaning, while boys are asked to repair certain things. The
distribution of labor is based on sex, and not on individual capacity or skill
sets.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
This affects girls and women adversely. Since girls are expected to take
care of the family and household, their education is not a priority for the
family.
Both boys and girls should be given equal opportunity to learn different
skills set based on their interests and to grow. Household chores are not
only women’s responsibilities, it is also household’s responsibilities, and all
family members should contribute to it.
EMPLOYMENT SECTORS
Agriculture
Women farmers do not have equal opportunity to acquire land or register

it in their own names. They have fewer inheritance rights than male farmers.
Land ownership is important not only to women’s ability to earn income, but
also as a source of empowerment and autonomy within the household.
Their lack of land also affects their ability to gain access to credit facilities.
Women are also hindered in their access to extension services, skills

development, including training in management and marketing skills; and
improved farming equipment. They require special assistance to achieve
equal access, and this can be achieved through gender-specific action
plans that target the needs of women farmers and gender mainstreaming
that is monitored for effectiveness to ensure that women share
appropriately in the sector’s growth.
Industry and Manufacturing
The number of women working in economic zones is estimated to

represent 64 % of total employment and may be much higher in some
industries, such as electronics and apparel (World Bank 2011a). Women’s
share of employment in the export-processing zones is much greater than
women’s share of the labor force as a whole, and the conditions of
employment are of concern.
Reports suggest that working and living conditions are poor, that women
find it difficult to obtain work while pregnant and after the birth of their
babies, and that unionization is uncommon.
Tourism
It appears that tourism planning has not included women or has had
insufficient regard for gender issues. Within the tourism industry, relatively
few women have the educational qualifications or foreign language skills
compete for front-of-house positions in the hotel industry, as tour guides, or
on travel agencies, and women are more likely to be employed as
housekeepers, waitresses, or similar low-level positions.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
Targeted educational programs could provide women with the necessary

qualifications to climb the job ladder, which could progressively help to
rectify the imbalance between work opportunities for men and women and
eliminate gender gaps in tourism employment.
Business Processing Outsourcing
The Philippines’ Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing

Road Map 20—12016 is not gender-responsive and does not address
women’s constraints in accessing higher-paid work in non-voice services or
the likely growth in information technology and engineering.
These matters, as well as the pay differentials between men and women
and employment conditions, require specific government attention.
Government Services
Public sector employment is an important source of jobs with better pay

and conditions for women than many other industrial sectors, but women
are constrained by being predominantly employed in traditional, gendered-
stereotyped care sector government occupations such as health and
education, and they are under - represented in the high paying subsectors.
Thr Philippines has strong gender mainstreaming programs, which has

given women greater access to government employment generally, but
women in the civil sector may still be underpaid, given their levels of
education, experience, and ability.
Entrepreneurship
There has been a rapid surge in the number and proportion of female
entrepreneurs in developing countries( Minniti and Naude 2010, 280).
Studies indicate that female-led MSMEs increase employment opportunities
for women and contribute to wider development goals (ADB and ILO
2013a). One survey indicated that women entrepreneurs are more likely than
men to be motivated by necessity , these are livelihood-oriented
entrepreneurs attempting to escape employment (Viet Nam Women
Entrepreneurs Council 2007).
Salient Policies on Gender Equality in the Labor Market
The Philippines has ratified 34 ILO conventions and is party to all of the
fundamental United Nations human rights covenants and conventions. The
country’s 1987 Constitution has enshrined these rights in Section 3, Article
XIII (Bill of Rights), and in Section 14, Article II, which ensures fundamental
equality of women and men before the law.
Article 3. Chapter 1 of the Labor Code, as well as Republic Acts 6725,

7192, 7877. And 8551, all provide for fundamental human rights protection,
including antidiscrimination provisions, and they ensure fundamental
equaliuty, prohibition of sexual harassment, and temporary special
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
measures. The Philippines’ Anti-Sexual Harassment Act No. 7877 of 8

February 1995 is an example of good legislative practice.
The Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710) is an overall legislative

framework, implementation issues remain. Filipino women often do not
know about their rights, and the complaints system is confusing even if they
do.
In 2012, the Philippines became the first country in Asia to ratify the ILO
Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). In early 2013, President
Aquino also signed a new law, Republic Act 10361 known as the “Batas
Kasambahay” (Domestic Workers Act) in order to better protect this large
group of mostly young, female workers.
Summary
Gender, gender equality. And labor market are very important principles
and are related to one another. Gender equality is not properly implemented
in the labor market as women still are treated with disfavor and
discrimination. Policies are in place to address gender equality, but still the
issue persists and prevails even up to the present.
LESSON 26: GENDER and MEDIA
Lesson Objectives:
1. discuss the importance of media representation; and
2. appreciate the progress in media representation of gender
 Communication – the process of exchanging information and co-

creating meaning through various means;
 Media – means through which information is transferred or received
Introduction
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 81% of Filipinos watch

television, and it still remains to be the most used and trusted source of
information in our country. We watch TV for entertainment and information
through TV soap operas, news, and entertainment programs.
We become passive consumers of what TV has to offer; information,

shock, humor and etc. Therefore, the media influences our perception on
different topics. It is important for us to look deeply into what it presents or
fails to represent of our everyday realities.
Media Representation
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
Media representation is how the media presents or frames “aspects of

society, such as gender, age, or ethnicity” )BBC 2019). It is important
because it shapes the audience’s knowledge and understanding and will
contribute to their ideas and attitudes.
Because of our exposure to television, the media ultimately represents

our social realities as it mirrors the ideologies, belief systems, and
stereotypes. There are many factors affecting media representation, after all,
all we see in the television has already gone through a long process wherein
many people are involved.
The people behind the production of the content have their own ideology,
ideas, and beliefs, and that greatly contribute to what we see in the media.
Media producers, editors, directors, writers, and a networks’ values reflect
through its content.
Since TV uses one way mode of communication wherein feedback is

rarely received or encouraged, more often we are left on our own to process
the ideas or opinions directed towards us, the viewers. We passively laughs
at stereotypes, not giving it a second thought.
Media Stereotype
Media stereotypes “are simplified representations of a person, groeps of

people or a place, through basic or obvious characteristics-which are often
exaggerated” (BBC 2019). Although stereotypes can help people connect
with the contents as they reflect it in their own realities, it can have negative
effects on disadvantaged groups like the LGBT community by reinforcing
negative and even false stereotypes.
The LGBT community are highly misrepresented in the Philippine media.

There are many stereotypes of the LGBT in the media and most are not
flattering. Often they are used as a comic relief in their portrayal of the loud
and boisterous “bakla”, the straight male who acts like a “bakla” with
exaggerated gestures, the sex-deprived muscular male homosexual, or the
awkward “tomboy” who eventually becomes a feminine woman after
meeting the man of her dreams.
There are very few LGBT main characters in the international television
and even very scarce in the Philippine television. They are often relegated
as sidekicks, victims, or villains. Although there are a few LGBT celebrities
in the Philippines who are out and proud of their sexual orientation such as
Boy Abunda, Vice Ganda, Aiza SEguerra, and Jake Zyrus, their sexuality is
rarely the focus of the program they are in.
In fact, references on LGBT topics in children shows cause controversy

so they are omitted in the broadcast. Such in the case of Glee, a popular
American TV show that featured teenagers who are gay and lesbian. The
gay kiss was omitted in the Philippine broadcast, although it was seen as a
milestone in the international media.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
News outfits followed popular ideologies of portraying homosexuality as

a sickness. The AIDS pandemic in the 70’s also added to the negative
stereotyping of the gay male as a sexual deviant. However, due to the
pressure coming from the Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement in the
1970s, the international media was forced to recognize and set media
standards for LGBT News coverage.
In the Philippines, there is a lack of awareness on SOGIE among media

practitioners as they are often left confused on the LGBT terms and labels.
Most news from the LGBT community are often on coming out stories of
celebrities (Aiza Seguerra, Jake Zyrus, (Charice Pempengco), and Rosanna
Roces), Pride March events, hate crimes, and controversies.
Media coverage of the LGBT community in the Philippines went from no-
coverage, ridicule, censorship, to limited portrayal. However limiting, it is
taken as a sign of greater social acceptance as compared to its total black
out just decades ago.
There are landmark TV shows about the LGBT community such as My

Husband’s Lover (2013) and The Rich Man’s Daughter (2015). There are also
a handful of LGBT themed movies that featured the different aspects of the
LGBT person from realization of their sexual orientation, their coming out,
to their acceptance in their families and communities.
Summary
Media representation of the LGBT is a double-edged sword. These

stereotypes can make people appreciate the existence of the LGBT people,
however, it can lead them to overgeneralize and trivialize their realities. It is
important to learn how to spot a stereotype in the media so we can be
critical on the false representations of real people.
LESSON 27: GENDER and ACTIVISM
Lesson Objectives:
1. discuss heteronormativity and its manifestations; and
2. appreciate the contribution of activism in social change.
 Activism – collective efforts to shape and transform political,

sociocultural, and other environmental status quo
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
 Participation – contributing in transforming social realities by

engaging and taking part in various aspects of an initiative or reform
 Collaboration – working together towards a goal
Introduction
Our society is now advocating equal rights for everyone through the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was drafted in 1948 by
all countries who are members of the United Nations. It acknowledges that
everyone, including LGBT people, is equal in dignity and in rights. Although
most countries no longer punish or outlaw homosexuality, there is still
much to be done for the LGBT people to fully enjoy their human rights.
Understanding Heteronormativity
Heteronormativity means “of relating to, or based on the attitude that

heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality ”Put
more simply, it is when we assume that everyone is heterosexual or straight
and that it is the standard for everyone.
With a heteronormative point of view, straight people are placed at a

privileged group by viewing them as the standard or normal. Anyone who
does not adhere to that standard are viewed as a lesser, like women who
love women (lesbians), men who love men (gays), people who love men and
women (bisexuals), people who feel that they do not belong to their
biological sex (transgender), and other people who reject the notion of
gender binaries (male/female, masculine/feminine).
Heteronormativity has been so ingrained in our social and political

institution that it has almost become invisible. Most people unknowingly
subscribe to heteronormative standards just because that is the way it has
always been for them. Like assigning blue for boys and pink for girls. But
what happens when a boy wants pink toys? They are reprimanded and
criticized in a process called normalization.
This normalization limit a person’s choices and freedoms. For the LGBT,
it means they are marginalized, treated as inferior, discriminated on,
branded as abnormal, and are treated as second class citizens. This leads to
homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, prejudice, discrimination, violence, and
other hostile acts towards the LGBT people.
One example of heteronormative violence is the murder of LGBT men

and women during the NAZI holocaust.
In present days, it means punishing LGBT children for expressing who

they are or being vocal about who they are attracted to. In the workplace, it
could mean being fired or not being promoted just because you are not
straight. At home it could mean being disowned by our family because you
are LGBT or being bullied by your family because you are not masculine
enough or feminine enough. In politics, it manifests in policies denying
LGBT their freedom such as anti-sodomy laws in many countries where
being LGBT their freedom such as anti-sodomy laws in many countries
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
where being LGBT is a crime punishable by imprisonment or death. It could

also mean the absence of laws that would let LGBT live a full life like being
able to marry the person they want to marry or enjoying the same rights and
privileges that straight families have.
Challenging heteronormativity through activism
Heteronormativity is a social construct and history has proven society’s

changing attitudes on homosexuality. History showed us the egalitarian
acceptance of homosexuality in the ancient-gatherer civilizatios, the violent
erasure of the gender deviants, and condemnation of homosexuality with
the spread of Abrahamic Religion (Jews, Christians, Muslims and other
religions who believe in one god of Abraham).
LGBT activism have had various social movements to advocate for LGBT
people’s equal rights (2000s) liberation (1960s – 1970s), and self acceptance
through the homophile movement of 1950s. These social movements
engaged in political and social activism through street rallies, pride
marches, law lobbying, engaging the media, arts, research, and many other
activities that empower the LGBT community.
Dissent is so powerful that can make significant changes in our society.

Breaking the culture of silence on the daily heteronormative violence that
are committed and condoned by society is the first step towards change.
We can start by refusing to participate in heteronormative violence towards
the LGBT and participating in various events for the LGBT community.
 May 17 – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

IDAHOT
 May 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
 Nov.20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
 June – June Pride Month
Summary
Heteronormativity, as a social construct, can be undone through

activism. Social change may not be something that happens right away, but
decades of LGBT struggle has proven that change can happen. You do not
have to be an LGBT to fight for equal rights.You just have to be a human
being who believes in freedom and equality for all.
LESSON 28: GENDER AND OTHER CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (EDUCATION,
GENERAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH)
Lesson Objectives: 1. Discuss how and why gender lens is necessary in

understanding other social issues.
2. show appreciation of the intersectionality between

gender, education, and health (especially mental health)
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
 Social services – services that are necessary for individuals and

families to maintain social functioning and achieve their utmost
potentials.
 Education – process of teaching and learning, and related activities
geared towards making this process organized, effective, and
respond to people’s needs
 Health – sense of well-being ; absence of disease
 Mental Health – sense of mental well-being which allows achievement
of human potential through positive coping
Introduction
In earlier discussions, it has been noted that laws provide for equity
among people of all genders. In principle, human regardless of genders
have basic human rights emerging from their intrinsic human dignity.
Practically, these rights are translated into programs, projects, and

services that are made accessible to us, for the purpose of satisfying our
basic needs and for achieving our highest potentials.
Regardless of gender, we have seen that people are xapable of making

something -of creating, of making responsible choices, of developing. This
capability is promoted by resources we have access to. The State has a role
in making sure that we people receive the services we need and deserve.
Two of the primary needs of individual are: (a) access to education, and
(b) access to health services.
GENDER AND EDUCATION
The UNICEF (2011) report on adolescence show that while there is

already an increase in access to education for all genders, there remains to
be many girls and women who are unable to go to school.
However, interesting trends can be observed from the 2013 Functional

Literacy. Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS). This study showed
that there are more males (4.6 in a 1000) children aged 6 to 14 who are able
to attend school compared to females (2.4 in a 1000) who are able to go to
school compared to males (11.2 in a 1000) (Philippines Statistics Authority
2015). This may mean that while there are more males who are able to
receive basic education, there are more females who are able to proceed to
higher education.
Practically, this only shows that intervention towards making education

accessible to women and men may also differ,e.g.., encouraging younger
girls to go to basic education, and providing opportunities for men to earn a
college degree.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
GENDER AND HEALTH
Another basic social service we all need is health service. Health,

according to World Health Organization, does not only mean absence of
diseases but a state of well-being. The Department of Health in the
Philippines follows a cluster approach in health, wherein, there are more
primary clusters: (a) public health, (b) water sanitation and hygiene, (c)
nutrition, and (d) mental health and psychological support.
In earlier lessons, we discussed that males and females have unique

reproductive health needs. This also means that in terms of health services,
all genders should be able to access services. In turn, health services
should also be gender-responsive.
GENDER AND MENTAL HEALTH
One of the most prevalent issues facing adolescents nowadays, is mental

health. The changing environment also brings forth stressors that are not
existing before. People are challenged to pay attention not only to their
physical health, but also to their psychological wellness.
In the context of gender and sexuality, some issues faced by humans

related to their sexuality and to the roles they assume in the society are
mental/psychological in nature. Some of these issues are as follows:
 Coping with sexual and reproductive health issues (teen pregnancy,

STD/HIV, confusion and doubt);
 Psychological impacts of SOGIE-related concerns and gender roles
and expectations;
 Psychosocial concerns emerging from intimate/romantic
relationships; and
 Psychological trauma from GBV.
Hence, there is also a need to establish systems so people would have
access to services that address these issues. In schools, for instance, there
are counselors (trained professionals who has a master’s degree in
counseling and have seated and passed a licensure in counseling) who deal
with students’ mental health concerns. In some other schools and
workplaces, there are also psychologists (trained professional who have a
master’s degree in psychology and have seated and passed a licensure in
psychology), social workers (trained professionals with license in social
work), and psychiatrists ( a medical doctor with specialization in
psychiatry), who are able to provide additional and more specialized help.
Summary
As our course culminates, this lesson only underscores that Gender and
Sexuality principles are not only exclusive to those people who are
specializing in these topics. In fact, having a clear and solid gender lens will
help us perform our tasks better, in whatever field of expertise we are in.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad
Lyceum of Alabang
Muntinlupa City
This lesson emphasizes that in various spheres, making sure that unique
issues, concerns, and needs of women, men, and the LGBT+ shall bring us
closer to our desire to promote human rights and uphold human dignity.
Digo, Phd.
Faculty
VP Acad

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Republic of the Philippines

LESSON 20 DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

This lesson discusses about the widespread and systematic human

1. understand the issues on human rights violations and discrimination

2. understand the impact of human rights violations and discrimination

3. formulate activities and programs to address these human rights

1. SOGIE – an acronym for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and

2. Anti-Discriminatory Bill – a proposed legislation before the

The Universal Policy

Articles 2(1), 3, and 26 of the Convention provide for the respect,

In the landmark decision of Toonen v. Australia in 1994, it is found not

National and Local Policies

Presently, the Anti-Discriminatory Bill is still pending before the

In Quezon City, anti-discrimination in employment was enacted 1n 2004

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Raymond Palatino of the

Effect of State Discrimination in Society

The State’s treatment of LGBT individuals intensifies discrimination on

Discrimination by the Catholic Church

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and

Antagonists of the anti-discrimination bill claim that the passage of an

Participation of the members of LGBTQ+ IN Public Life

Article 25 of the Convention provides for the right of each citizen to

Discrimination in the Military

Through their media announcements, it seems on the surface that the

Upon closer inspection, the additional conditions required from gay,

The generalized negative stereotyping of LGBT persons and the

The identification of sources of discrimination is vital so that you will

Discrimination of people based on SOGIE is widespread in the

LESSON 21: UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

This module explains the various theoretical perspectives on Sexual

1. understand fully the various theoretical perspectives on Sexual

2. distinguish the various theoretical perspectives on Sexual Harassment

3. understand the laws of the Philippines on Sexual Harassment in the

 Sexual Harassment – it is an act or a series of acts involving any

Harassment and sexual harassment are recognized as a form of

offensive to the recipient. Thus, sexual harassment is not merely a problem

In the Philippines. Republic Act No. 7877 or the “Anti-Sexual Harassment

THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual Harassment could not be understood from the perspective of a

However, there have been five widely accepted theories of sexual

2. Sex Role Spillover Theory

This theory is based on the proposition of irrelevant gender-based role

When women takes job outside of these gender-based expextations

more likely to make sexual remarks or engage in sexualized behavior, thus

This perspective emphasizes that the structure of organizational

Socio-Cultural Theories examine the wider social and political context in

Herein, sexual harassment is only one manifestation of a much larger

According to the feminist perspective, sexual harassment is linked to the

Relevance of Sexual Harassment Theories

An interpretation of these theoretical perspective reveals that both

occupied a dominant position over women in societies, of which the

Considerable data have been accumulated confirming that harassment id

Therefore, the vulnerability of women as a weaker sex has traveled

Philippine Laws on Sexual Harassment

Specifically, in a work-related or employment environment, sexual

1. The sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring or in the

3. The above acts would result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

On the other hand, in an education or training environment sexual

1. against one who is under the care, custody, or supervision of the

2. against one whose education, training, apprenticeship, or tutorship is

3. when the sexual favor is made a condition to the giving of a passing

4. when the sexual advances result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive