In the Philippines, LGBTQIA+ people are often used to decorate Catholic churches — literally. They are featured in church activities like Flores de Mayo, where their presence is meant to “decorate” the event. This is how the Church positions them: as visual additions to its religious practices. Yet, the very institution that benefits from their involvement in such decorative roles refuses to grant them the right to a fully decorated life — by denying them the right to marry. LGBTQIA+ people are put on display to enhance church rituals, but when it comes to genuinely recognizing their right to love, they’re sidelined.
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| From Heidi Mendoza's Facebook |
Enter Heidi Mendoza, former Commission on Audit commissioner and now a candidate for the Senate in 2025. Known for her anti-corruption work, Mendoza’s stance on same-sex marriage, however, is anything but progressive. During a recent public appearance, she made it clear that she opposes the legalization of same-sex marriage. According to her, “true love” must respect institutions — institutions that have historically excluded LGBTQIA+ people from full participation in society. She believes that love should be about sacrifice and understanding boundaries, but this perspective fundamentally disregards the basic rights of LGBTQIA+ couples.
Mendoza’s argument goes further when she suggests that same-sex couples don’t need marriage equality because they can settle matters like inheritance and property division through other legal avenues. Her comment, “magkukuwentahan ba kayo kung sino ang dapat may mag-ari ng napundar ninyo?” (Will you count who should own what you’ve built together?), highlights a deeply problematic view. Yes, Heidi, couples do need marriage to secure their rights, and it’s appalling to dismiss the very real need for legal recognition. Her stance not only undermines the sanctity of love but also suggests a cold, transactional view of relationships, one that ignores the reality of commitment and the need for security in shared life decisions. Her belief that relationships should have no clear protections is as misguided as it is damaging.
Marriage is not a mere formality. It’s a legal tool that ensures couples have the same rights and protections as anyone else. Without such recognition, same-sex couples are vulnerable to a range of legal and financial uncertainties. Marriage laws exist to safeguard against these injustices and ensure that all couples, regardless of gender, are entitled to the same protections under the law. The refusal to recognize marriage equality is a direct denial of the human rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
But I doubt Mendoza doesn’t know that. She’s fully aware of the importance of legal protections. She just doesn’t prioritize the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals over the power dynamics she’s playing into.
Mendoza is far from alone in clinging to conservative Churches’ agenda. She’s another politician catering to an institution that has long used its power to suppress the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, women, and marginalized communities. Like these Churches’ refusal to allow divorce, which forces women to endure abusive marriages for the sake of “sacrifice,” Mendoza stands against key progressive reforms, reinforcing patriarchal control that limits personal freedom and choice.
When politicians like her defend outdated religious stance, they underpin an institution that has consistently placed its authority above the rights of individuals. These conservative Churches benefit from maintaining the status quo, whether it’s controlling the narrative around love and marriage or dictating who deserves legal recognition. Mendoza’s defense of this institution extends from moral values to preserving power at the expense of people’s rights.
Some may argue that Mendoza’s anti-corruption record should outweigh her position on marriage equality. However, these views are not isolated opinions. They reflect her broader political philosophy. If you can’t stand up for the equality of all people, if you fail to recognize the fundamental rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, then your fight against corruption holds little weight. You’re only supporting the institutions that perpetuate inequality.
Mendoza may lose the 2025 election — not because of the LGBTQIA+ community’s opposition, but because of the very institution she’s so determined to protect. This powerful entity, which has long resisted progress, continues to exert significant influence over Philippine politics, undermining the principle of separation of church and state. Influential conservative religious groups, alongside corrupt government officials, help pave the way for the election of those Mendoza claims to be fighting against. Her absence from the latest Social Weather Stations survey for senatorial candidates is a clear indication of the disconnect. As she clings to outdated moral positions, she risks alienating a growing number of voters who are looking for real change that isn’t shaped by religious influence.
But will I still vote for Heidi Mendoza? Looking at the recent survey results, I still will. Because, unlike her, I know what compassion really means. I don’t see her as the lesser evil — she’s the harsh reality. While she clings to outdated views, I won’t fool myself into thinking any of the top candidates in the surveys are any better. Politicians have promised to protect the LGBTQIA+ community before, only to turn their backs once in office. Mendoza might not get it, but she’s the only one in this fucked-up race not pretending to. The others may oppose same-sex marriage too, but they’re playing the same game with a different mask. At least Mendoza’s honest about where she stands — and she’s still “studying it.” And that’s something, even if it’s not much. — WALPHS.com