Issues

                       Same sex marriage, is the Filipino culture ready to accept same sex marriage? Why not allow it? These are some of my questions that need to be clarified. In a conservative culture like Philippines, the word “marriage” is defined both in the church and in the state as a binding of two different genders, a male and female. This definition was and is clearly taught and inculcated to everyone’s mind. Thus, the sacredness of marriage lies in the sacrament and vows of the couples made. Unfortunately, there were/are couples who have difficulty of holding on what they have promised to each other then later file an annulment thus, making them free again. Indeed, marriage/annulment is a special privilege given to a man/woman. I said especial privilege because not every lover has given the legal and spiritual rights to be married such as gays/lesbians.

                       Why is it hard for the Filipino society to accept and allow same sex marriage? And to think the issue of same sex marriage has long been an issue that needs to be heard. In some countries like Belgium, Netherlands, Columbia, South Africa, Spain, Massachusetts, California etc. settled the cries of the gays/lesbians and legalized same sex marriage. However, gays/lesbians in the Philippines still fighting for the rights mentioned to be given to them.

                       At present, most of the lawmakers if not all are very much hesitant to make provisions for the legalization of same sex marriage considering the fact that Philippines is a catholic country. Naturally, a lot of criticism will come if same sex marriage will be approved.

                        Seemingly, people looked at same sex marriage as an immoral act, not good to see in the eyes of the other, therefore, it is scandalous and it shouldn’t be made legal. A very limited point of view of what morality means? Why can’t lawmakers give rights for gays/lesbians to be legally married? Definitely, they will not use the money of the Filipino people for the celebration. Unlike those greedy politicians who keep on spending the money of the country for going abroad, stayed in first class hotels, having expensive gadgets for their work, having luxury cars yet many people suffered in poverty but it seems they have not felt the agony of the people. Corrupt politicians are disgraced to the country. Shame on you!!!! Now, whose actions are immoral, inappropriate, and scandalous? No provisions also made in the constitution that allows corruption and yet politicians are doing it. So, lawmakers, why can’t you give way and make laws for same sex marriage for the gays/lesbians for them to be happy in one way or another and be protected legally? Those people who are against of same sex marriage just give gays/lesbians a break. Don’t be too harsh on them. Apparently, it’s not for us to condemn these people….If you were one of the lawmakers, what will you do?   

      One night, I was riding a jeep going home. It took the ride for almost an hour before reaching my destination. I fall asleep until my consciousness was caught by two ladies who were sitting beside me who kept on talking about their illicit affair with a married man. Unintentionally, I heard everything they’ve talked about. As if these two ladies doesn’t care if others will hear them. Who cares anyway? I said to myself, what a flirt ladies! As if I am not one of them……. to loud to tell about their illicit affairs and theirs nothing to be proud of!!!!! One of them even said, well if our relationship will end at least I’ve tasted him. She’s really flirty, isn’t it? But I like what she said “I’ve tasted him”. It sounds like a woman whose world does not evolve and revolve with a man only that whatever happens life must go on…

                      As they go on with their conversation, I realized somehow that they are naïve in one way or another when one of them said if only the man at first does not pretend that he is single and if only I have known it earlier, I wouldn’t be fall for him…I said to myself, well married man ten meters away from home made themselves single, with the exemption of some. If the man takes care of you, looks good, financially stable, love you that much, I rather want to be called as naïve some naughty thoughts came in my mind while listening.

                      Nevertheless, I felt pity on them because they can be a victim of love. Their vulnerability was being tested by the circumstance that can be difficult to stop because it involves emotional attachment.  A circumstance that measured their conviction in life on how far are they going to stand by their principle? Thus, one of the uncontrollable circumstance is falling in love coz we cannot tell our hearts when to start loving. In that sense, my sympathy is with them because when you fell in love you cannot rationalize your feelings sometimes. No matter how intelligent you are and how morally accepted are your thoughts, it would not make you stop loving the person. Even if the people surrounds you slaps in your face the disadvantage of pursuing the relationship, still you insist your feelings. Upon knowing the worst of the person you love, still you continue loving him. Upon learning that at the end of the relationship you’re on the losing side, still you fight for him. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! What a nice feelings but terrible, unstoppable and unthinkable. When you’re in love you cannot tell your heart when to stop loving the person.

                      Now, is it right for us to label these women who fall with a married man as FLIRTY one because they are too loud in their relationship? Or can we call them as NAÏVE one because they can easily be fooled with words and promises? Or VICTIM because they couldn’t resist the temptation of love. The answer lies in your hand. What do you think?