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ORDINANCE NO. 2026-071

AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING CEREMONY IN THE CITY OF IMPLEMENTATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES THE ANNUAL LGBTQIA+ COMMITMENT NAGA, PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR ITS

Authors: Hon. Gilda Gayle R. Abonal-Gomez & Hon. CYO Councilor Kyshie Gabrielle D. Regalado

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The recognition and affirmation of the dignity and worth of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) is consistent with the 1987 Constitution’s mandate to uphold human rights, equality, and social justice. While Philippine Law does not yet recognize same-sex marriages, local governments have both the authority and responsibility to create inclusive spaces where all members of the community may celebrate their relationships with dignity and respect.

The City of Naga has long advanced gender equality through its Gender and Development Code and various programs under the City Gender and Development Office (GADO), the Naga City Gender and Development Council (NCGADC), youth organizations, and other mechanisms that promote inclusion and family welfare. Despite these efforts, LGBTQIA+ couples continue to face barriers in affirming their partnerships publicly and safely. The progressive Quezon City has demonstrated that local governments can meaningfully support LGBTQIA+ couples through symbolic, community-based initiatives. Since 2020, Quezon City’s annual LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony has provided a dignified venue for over a thousand couples to publicly affirm their commitment, showing how such programs can promote visibility, respect, and social inclusion without contravening national laws.

This proposed ordinance seeks to institutionalize a similar annual commitment ceremony in Naga City an inclusive, community-centered event where LGBTQIA+ couples may formally declare their commitment to one another. It establishes clear implementation mechanisms, designates responsible offices, and ensures adequate support for a program that celebrates diversity and honors all forms of love.

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Naga that-

SECTION 1. TITLE This Ordinance shall be known as the “Naga City LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony Ordinance”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY It is the policy of the City Government of Naga to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion; eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC); and foster a supportive environment for all persons and families.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS For purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms are hereby defined as follows:

a. LGBTQIA+ refers to a diverse and complex range of identities based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and other persons of diverse SOGIESC whose experiences and identities fall outside cisgender and heterosexual norms.

b. SOGIESC refers collectively to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics.

c. Sexual Orientation refers to a person’s enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to persons of a different sex, the same sex, more than one sex, or regardless of sex.

d. Gender Identity refers to a person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, including the personal sense of the body and other expressions of gender such as dress, speech and mannerisms.

e. Gender Expression refers to the external manifestation of a person’s gender identity, through name, pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, body characteristics or other forms of presentation, which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.

f. Sex Characteristics refer to a person’s physical features relating to sex, including genitalia, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns and secondary physical features emerging from puberty, which may vary among individuals and may not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.

g. Commitment Ceremony refers to the annual, non-marital, symbolic and ceremonial activity established under this Ordinance, during which eligible LGBTQIA+ couples publicly declare their mutual love and commitment before the community, without creating or conferring a legal marriage or the rights and obligations arising therefrom under the Family Code of the Philippines or other national laws.

h. Couple refers to two consenting adults who are in a romantic relationship with one another and who jointly apply to participate in the LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony pursuant to this Ordinance.

i. Discrimination on the basis of SOGIESC refers to any distinction, exclusion, restriction, refusal, preference based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics that has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.

j. Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Public Spaces refers to an act or series of acts as defined in Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act and the Naga City Safe Spaces Ordinance, committed in streets, public spaces, online spaces, workplaces, and educational or training institutions, that is directed against any person, including LGBTQIA+ persons and couples, by reason of their SOGIESC.

SECTION 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMITMENT CEREMONY

There is hereby established an Annual LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony in the City of Naga as a symbolic affirmation of love, partnership, and mutual commitment between consenting adults, regardless of SOGIESC. It shall be held annually every February. The ceremony shall be a public event open to all LGBTQIA+ couples who are residents of the City, and who wish to publicly declare their commitment to one another.

SECTION 5. NATURE AND LEGAL EFFECT OF THE COMMITMENT CEREMONY

The commitment ceremony established under this Ordinance is a ceremonial and symbolic recognition of the commitment and love shared by LGBTQIA+ couples. It is expressly understood and declared that:

• a. The commitment ceremony does not constitute a legal marriage under the Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209, as amended) and does not confer the legal rights, obligations and effects of marriage under the Philippine Law.

• b. The ceremony is a social and community recognition of the couple’s relationship and commitment, aimed at promoting dignity, respect and inclusion.

• c. Participation in the ceremony is purely voluntary and does not create any legal obligations between the participants or vis-à-vis third parties.

• d. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed as conferring legal marital status or as substituting for civil marriage under the Philippine Law.

• e. This commitment ceremony does not result in marital property rights under the Family Code, without prejudice to the couple to enter into a separate co-ownership agreement or such other modes of ownership or actions of ownership.

SECTION 6. ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

A. Eligibility. LGBTQIA+ couples who wish to participate in the Annual Commitment Ceremony must meet the following criteria:

1. Both partners must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the ceremony.

2. At least one partner must be a resident of Naga City.

3. Both partners must voluntarily consent to participate in the ceremony.

4. The couple must submit a duly accomplished registration form and required documents within the registration period.

Both must not have any prior or existing commitment with another partner as a result of a previous Commitment Ceremony

B. Documentary Requirements. Applicants shall submit the following documents to the Gender and Development Office:

1. Duly accomplished Registration Form for LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony (form to be provided by the GAD Office)

2. Valid government-issued identification card (ID) of both partners.

3. Affidavit of no valid or existing marriage

4. Certification of Residency from the barangay

5. Recent passport-sized photographs of both partners

6. Waiver and acknowledgment form stating understanding of the non-legal nature of the ceremony

7. Name and contact information of at least two (2) witnesses who will attend the ceremony

C. Registration Period and Process

1. The GAD Office shall announce the registration period at least sixty (60) days before the scheduled ceremony through official channels, social media and community announcements.

2. Registration shall be open for a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the event.

3. Applications shall be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to verification of requirements.

4. The GAD Office shall issue a Certificate of Registration to qualified couples within ten (10) working days from submission of complete requirements.

5. There shall be no registration fee charged to participating couples

SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTING OFFICES AND RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS The following offices shall be responsible for the implementation of this Ordinance.

A. Gender and Development Office. The GAD Office shall serve as the primary implementing agency and shall have the following functions:

1. Receive, process, and evaluate applications for the Commitment Ceremony.

2. Maintain a confidential registry of participating couples.

3. Coordinate with other offices for the planning and execution of the ceremony.

4. Develop standard forms, templates, and guidelines for implementation.

5. Organize pre-ceremony orientations for participating couples.

6. Issue Certificates of Participation to couples after the ceremony.

7. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program.

8. Ensure confidentiality and data protection of participants’ information in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

B. Office of the City Mayor

The Local Chief Executive shall officiate the Commitment Ceremony or designate a representative for this purpose.

Provide policy direction and support for the implementation of the program.

3. Exercise general supervision over the implementation of this Ordinance.

C. City Events and Protocol Office

1. Disseminate information regarding the Commitment Ceremony through various media platforms.

2. Document the ceremony through photos, videos and press releases.

3. Promote the program as part of the City’s inclusive governance initiatives.

4. Coordinate with the GAD office relative to logistic preparation for the ceremonies.

5. Lead the program and flow of activities during the Commitment Ceremony.

SECTION 8. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION, PROTECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY CLAUSE

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or subjected to any form of prejudice on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), or on account of their participation or non-participation in the LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony established under this Ordinance.

All offices, officials, and employees of the City Government of Naga, as well as participants, guests, service providers and other persons involved in or present during the Commitment Ceremony, are enjoined to treat LGBTQIA+ persons and couples with dignity, respect and equality, and to refrain from any discriminatory acts, statements or conduct based on SOGIESC.

8.1 Prohibited Acts

The following acts are prohibited during, in relation to, or by reason of the Commitment Ceremony and related activities:

• a. Refusal to render public service to any person or couple on the basis of SOGIESC or their participation/non-participation in the Commitment Ceremony.

• b. Verbal, non-verbal, written or digital harassment, including sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise demeaning remarks, gestures, or messages directed against LGBTQIA+ persons or couples.

• c. Any act of gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, or in privately owned spaces open to the public, committed against participants, guests, or organizers, consistent with the City’s Safe Spaces Ordinance and the Safe Spaces Act.

• d. Denial of access to the venue or facilities of the Ceremony, or imposition of additional burdens, conditions or requirements, solely on the basis of SOGIESC or participation in the Ceremony, without lawful and reasonable basis.

• e. Any retaliatory act or reprisal against a person who complains, testifies, assists, or participates in any proceeding concerning violations of this Section.

8.2 Roles of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Officer (ASHO), SOGIE/ LGBTQIA+ Welfare Desk, and Barangay VAWC Desk. In accordance with the Naga City Safe Spaces Ordinance, the Anti-SOGIE Discrimination Ordinance, and the ordinances on Barangay VAWC Desks and LGBTQIA+ or SOGIE Desks, the following mechanisms shall jointly ensure protection, reporting and response in relation to this Section:

• a. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Officer/s (ASHO) and Anti-Sexual Harassment Enforcers (ASHES) shall receive and document complaints of gender-based sexual harassment, discrimination or related violations connected to the Commitment Ceremony; provide immediate assistance and information on remedies; coordinate with the Naga City GAD Office, barangay authorities and the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD); and submit incident and implementation reports pursuant to the Safe Spaces Ordinance, its IRR, and relevant national laws such as R.A. 11313.

• b. The Naga City Protection Center and barangay LGBTQIA+ Welfare or SOGIE Desks shall serve as primary support and referral mechanisms for LGBTQIA+ participants and couples who experience discrimination, harassment or other violations, including assistance in filing complaints, accessing psychosocial and other support services, and coordinating with the GAD Office, ASHO, and other concerned agencies.

• c. The Barangay Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Desk, which may also function as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Desk where so designated, shall respond to VAWC and related gender-based violence or harassment affecting women and children, including those of diverse SOGIES, arising from connected to the Commitment Ceremony, and shall coordinate with the GAD Office, LGBTQIA+ Welfare or SOGIE Desk, ASHO and law enforcement for appropriate intervention.

• d. The Naga City GAD Office, in coordination with the LGBTQIA+ Welfare or SOGIE Desks, Barangay VAWC Desks, and ASHO, shall undertake information, education and communication activities on the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons, available remedies and reporting and referral mechanisms, and shall integrate data from these mechanisms in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of this Ordinance.

8.3 Penalties. Any person, official, employee, establishment, service provider or organization found to have violated this Section shall, after due notice and necessary process, be subject to the following penalties, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate civil, criminal or administrative action under existing laws and ordinances.

• a. First Offense: Reprimand or written warning, and mandatory attendance in an orientation, seminar or gender sensitivity/Safe Spaces education activity to be determined by the City GAD Office.

• b. Second Offense: Fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (Php1,000.00) but not more than Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00), or community service, plus mandatory attendance in the appropriate intervention program.

• c. Third and subsequent offense: Fine of not less than Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00), or imprisonment if so authorized under applicable law or ordinance, or both, at the discretion of the proper court or authority, without prejudice to permit or license-related sanctions where applicable.

SECTION 9. DISSOLUTION OF COMMITMENT

• a. Nature of dissolution. The dissolution of a commitment under this Ordinance is a symbolic and administrative act of the City only. It does not affect any person’s civil status and is not the same as annulment, legal separation, or any other remedy under the Family Code or other national laws.

• b. Voluntary dissolution by both partners. A commitment may be dissolved at any time if both partners agree in writing to end their commitment and file a request with the Naga City Gender and Development Office.

• c. Unilateral dissolution. In exceptional cases where one partner refuses, is unable, or cannot be located to sign a joint request, either partner may file a request supported by a sworn statement explaining the circumstances and any reasonable efforts to notify the other partner.

• d. Grounds for voluntary or unilateral dissolution. Without prejudice to other analogous causes, dissolution may be requested on any of the following grounds:

  1. Mutual decision of the couple to end the relationship;

  2. Prolonged separation in fact;

  3. Irreconcilable differences or breakdown of the relationship;

  4. There is violence, threat, or abuse by the other partner, whether physical, sexual, psychological, or economic;

  5. Either partner has entered into marriage or a similar formal union with another person under applicable law;

  6. Any other just and reasonable cause that, in the professional assessment of the NCGAD or competent office, renders the continuation of the registered commitment contrary to the best interests and dignity of either partner.

• e. Administrative dissolution by the City. The City may dissolve a commitment on its own initiative when it receives reliable proof that:

  1. One or both partners have died;

  2. Either partner has married another person under applicable law;

  3. The commitment was obtained through clear fraud or falsified documents.

• f. Procedure and effectivity. The specific forms, documentary requirements, and administrative procedures for voluntary, unilateral, and administrative dissolution shall be prescribed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), with due regard to confidentiality, safety, and the dignity of all concerned. A dissolution shall take effect only upon the issuance of an Order of Dissolution by the NCGAD or the designated office, and the corresponding annotation in the City’s Commitment Registry lodged under the NCGAD Office.

• g. No prejudice to rights and remedies. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prevent either partner from pursuing appropriate legal remedies under existing laws in relation to property, support, custody, violence, or other rights and interests that may arise from their relationship.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-071

Series of 2026 | Page 8

SECTION 10. FUNDING AND APPROPRIATION

The funding necessary to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance shall be included in the annual budget of the City, to be charged against the Gender and Development Fund or such other appropriate accounts.

SECTION 11. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

If any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional by a competent court, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 12. REPEALING CLAUSE

All ordinances, executive orders, rules, regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE

This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after enactment.
ENACTED: June 16, 2026.

WE HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing ordinance.

LILIAN O. PASCUAL

Acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

GABRIEL H. BORDADO JR.

City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

SOPHIA NATALIE B. STA. ISABEL

City Youth Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

DAN CHRISTIAN B. RAGAY

City Youth Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

APPROVED:

MARIA LEONOR G. ROBREDO

City Mayor

ISIAH KYLIE E. NAMORO

City Youth Mayor