MANILA Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso gave assurances that members of LGBTQI will be part of his governance should he win president.

“They are not only recognized. They are part of my governance. I have no prejudice with people. As long as you are an asset to the state, you have talents that can be utilized in governance through public service, you are welcome,” Domagoso said.

He stressed one of the reasons why the skills and talents of the LGBTQI members have not been fully utilized in the past was due to the “prejudice or personal preference of previous leaders.”

“Personal preference or personal life has nothing to do with governance. Kaya umasa kayo na hindi lang kayo may puwang, meron kayong partisipasyon, and if given the chance, kami ni Doc Willie,” he vowed.

The mayor said the LGBTQI community was well represented in his office, noting that they are functioning “very well” with the other members of his staff and with the city hall employees.

“As long as you recognize their skills, their talents, then they excel in their field of undertaking. I have high respect for people, because love begets love; respect begets respect,” he pointed out.

In October 2020, Moreno signed Ordinance 8695 or the Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance, which seeks to eliminate “any and all forms of discrimination against LGBTQI solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.”