Joed Serrano, an openly gay film and concert producer is seeking a post in the Senate to fight for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community.

“I am here to give attention and importance to the equality of my kin. You heard it right, my kin, the gays,” Serrano said in Filipino after submitting his certificate of candidacy on Friday, October 8.

Serrano said he decided to run for the Senate after candidates failed to mention the promotion of LGBTQI+ rights in their platforms.

He said he wanted civil unions of same-sex partners recognized by the government. He added that he supported an anti-discrimination law.

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He then hit a statement of presidential candidate and senator Manny Pacquiao, who said in 2016 that same-sex unions would make people “worse than animals.”

“That is not true. Animals are fed, while gays feed,” Serrano said, referring to the contribution of members of LGBTQI+ members to the country.

Serrano said he also aimed to lower electricity costs and to raise the minimum wage.

“Ano ba ang problema ‘nyo sa mga bakla?…Bakla ang kailangan (What is your problem with gays?… Gays are what we need),” he said. – Rappler.com