CURLS - Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector Inc.

23/06/2026

CEBU UNITED RAINBOW LGBTIQ SECTOR (CURLS)
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF FULL SUPPORT
On the Historic E-Filing of House Bill No. 9929: The Lived Identities Recognition Act (LIRA)

✊ RECLAIMING OUR PERSONHOOD: A Concrete Step Toward Trans Dignity and Self-Determination

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu United Rainbow LGBTIQ Sector (CURLS), through our flagship advocacy stream, the Initiative Dignity Project (ID PROJECT), stands in full, unyielding solidarity with the AKBAYAN Partylist bloc and Representative Kaka Bag-ao on the historic filing of House Bill No. 9929, otherwise known as the Lived Identities Recognition Act (LIRA).

As documented in the official filing e-registry HB 9929, this landmark legislative measure was officially e-filed today,
June 23, 2026, under the Twentieth Congress. Introduced by Akbayan Representatives Percival V. Cendaña, Jose Manuel Tadeo "Chel" I. Diokno, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, alongside Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, HB 9929 represents the sharpest, most decisive legislative response to a glaring legal gap that has been neglected by traditional politicians for nearly two decades.

📜 Breaking the Shackles of 2007: From Jurisprudential Stagnation to Legal Progress

For too long, transgender and gender-diverse Filipinos have been structurally erased by an outdated legal system. As noted in the bill's explanatory framework of the said measure, our laws have remained frozen in the shadow of the Supreme Court's October 22, 2007 ruling in Silverio v. Republic.

For 19 years, that decision has been weaponized to claim that our legal frameworks cannot catch up with the medical, social, and scientific realities of gender identity.

Today,June 23, 2026, that narrative changes. The introduction of the Lived Identities Recognition Act is a concrete, historic start to a long-overdue political discourse on trans dignity rights in the Philippines. It directly answers the United Nations Human Rights Committee's continuous urgings since 2022 for the Philippine government to adopt accessible, administrative legal gender recognition procedures.

🛡️ The Mission of CURLS and the Initiative Dignity Project
CURLS, through the Initiative Dignity Project, is actively working to gather evidence, case building and campaign for comprehensive policy reforms on legal gender recognition both locally in Metro Cebu and at the national level.

Our advocacy is rooted in a fundamental truth: "anatomy is a shell, chromosomes are not identity, and biology does not dictate civil-political personhood."

We recognize HB 9929 as a vital structural shield that aligns perfectly with our core organizational milestones:
- Accurate Identification and Legal Documents:
Establishing a clear, accessible, and non-pathologizing administrative procedure for name changes and gender recognition without requiring invasive surgical interventions.

- Erasing Misgendering Offenses: Eradicating the daily institutional violence and systemic humiliation trans Filipinos face when forced to present identification documents that contradict their cognitive gender and social reality.

- Affirming Self-Determination:
Securing the fundamental right to personal autonomy and the pursuit of happiness, ensuring that gender is recognized as an intrinsic marker of human personhood.

📢 Our Call to Action

We call on Metro Cebu policymakers, local government units, and lawmakers across the nation to look closely at the framework established in HB9929 and rally behind this bill. True public safety and human rights cannot exist in a society that forces a portion of its citizens to live a legal lie just to maintain administrative convenience.

We thank the Akbayan Partylist bloc for their courage to champion the Lived Identities Recognition Act. Human dignity is non-negotiable. Our consciousness is our core, our right to self-determination is absolute, and we will continue to organize, campaign, and fight until every transgender Filipino is legally recognized, protected, and free.

Trans rights are human rights. Let LIRA pass!

*For media inquiries and coalition partnerships: [email protected]
Cebu United Rainbow LGBTIQ Sector (CURLS)
The Initiative Dignity Project (ID PROJECT)
Cebu City, Philippines

01/06/2026

CURLS shared its position statement in support of the Right to Care ordinance of Cebu City during the public hearing last May 26, 2026.

To the August Members of the Cebu City Council,

Mabolokong Adlaw gikan kanamo sa Cebu United Rainbow LGBTIQ+ Sector Incorporated (CURLS) diri sa Sangguniang Panglungsod sa Sugbo.

We are honored to participate in this historic legislative process as we have been an active participant in city ordinances, CO 2339, 2399 - Anti Discrimination Ordinances and 2660 - SPEC Ordinance.

CURLS fully supports the intent of the proposed ordinance entitled "Recognizing the Right to Care and Hospital Visitation Rights of Same-Sex Partners in Hospitals and Health Facilities in Cebu City, Ensuring their Participation in Decision-Making in the Absence of Relatives, and Providing for Mechanisms of Implementation."

However, after careful study, we respectfully submit that the ordinance requires substantial amendments to achieve its beneficent purpose. We have therefore prepared comprehensive documents that we respectfully request be included in the records of the Public Hearing.

RESPONSE TO THE ORIGINAL DRAFT ORDINANCE
With respect, we wish to communicate that while we support the intent of the original draft ordinance, we believe it is incomplete and requires substantial amendment. Specifically:

The original ordinance is limited to "same-sex partners." This excludes unmarried heterosexual couples, transgender and cisgender partnerships, chosen family, and persons estranged from blood relatives. A truly universal ordinance—one that serves the many, not the few—is both legally sound and morally imperative.

The original ordinance is silent on Civil Code Article 1910. Under this provision, a healthcare proxy becomes void upon the patient's incapacity—exactly when it is most needed. Without an express override, the ordinance has no legal effect for incapacitated patients.

The original ordinance does not address conflicts with legal spouses. An estranged or abusive spouse can override the patient's chosen agent. The patient cannot exclude an unwanted spouse from decision-making.

The original ordinance has no criminal law warnings. Married persons who register a non-spouse agent may unknowingly create evidence that can be used in adultery or concubinage prosecutions under the Revised Penal Code.

The original ordinance has no pre-registration system. In an emergency where the patient is unconscious and the partner has no documents, there is no way to verify the partner's status.

The original ordinance has no emergency provisions. There is no verbal proxy for conscious unprepared patients, no presumptive protocol for unconscious unregistered patients, and no mandatory admission inquiry to identify proxies.

The original ordinance has no dispute resolution mechanism. When families disagree, there is no rapid process to resolve conflicts, leading to treatment delays.

The original ordinance has no hospital safe harbor. Hospitals fear liability for recognizing non-relative agents, leading them to refuse recognition.

The penalties in the original ordinance may exceed Local Government Code limits. For a first violation, the LGC limits fines to ₱5,000 for ordinances without a national penal counterpart.

CURLS PROPOSED SOLUTION: THE UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE PROXY ORDINANCE

CURLS has therefore prepared a consolidated amended draft retitled as the "Universal Healthcare Proxy Ordinance of Cebu City." This amended ordinance:
-Expands coverage to any patient and any trusted person (universal application)
Overrides Civil Code Article 1910 so the proxy survives the patient's incapacity.

-Establishes clear hierarchy giving designated agent priority over legal spouse
Permits spouse exclusion for estranged or abusive spouses

-Includes criminal law disclaimer with signed acknowledgment for married persons

-Creates the Cebu Care Connect (C3) System with Voluntary Proxy Registry, Right to Care Card (RTCC), URN, QR code, and 24/7 hotline

-Adds emergency provisions – verbal proxy, presumptive protocol, mandatory admission inquiry

-Establishes 24/7 Mediation Unit for rapid dispute resolution (4 hours for emergencies)
Provides hospital safe harbor for good faith reliance

-Aligns penalties with LGC limits (₱5,000 maximum fine for first violation; permit suspension for repeated violations)

-Designates CCHD as lead agency with dedicated C3 Office
Includes Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council for civil society oversight

-Adds Principle of Beneficial Construction directing interpretation in favor of patient autonomy

We respectfully submit that this amended version addresses every gap in the original ordinance and provides the clarity, safeguards, and accountability that patients, families, hospitals, and the City need.

Full Submission accessible here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17_1yHpM5dg2Do3ZR4SMNGUgkz8LPtJi2?usp=share_link

01/06/2026

Born this way.
Be proud.
Sashay. Slay.
Happy Pride mga ka semsem!

17/05/2026

🏳️‍🌈 BUILDING A CEBU WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME! 🏳️‍🌈

​This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOT 2026), the Cebu United Rainbow LGBTIQ+ Sector (CURLS) stands firm in our mission: Creating Safe & Inclusive Spaces for every single member of our community.

​True equality isn't just about acceptance—it’s about creating environments where we can all live, love, and thrive without fear of discrimination or judgment.

From our schools and workplaces to our local cafes and streets, we deserve a Cebu that embraces diversity with proud hearts and open arms! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

Mabuhay ang mga manggagawang Pilipino! 🏳️‍🌈🇵🇭

​This Labor Day, we celebrate the backbone of our nation: the diverse, hardworking, and resilient LGBTQ+ workforce. From our frontliners and BPO professionals to our teachers and farmers, our pride is woven into the very fabric of the Philippine economy.

​True labor rights mean more than just fair wages; they mean equal opportunity, workplace safety, and an end to discrimination. When we fight for the rights of one worker, we fight for the dignity of all.

​Let’s continue to push for a future where every Filipino worker can show up as their authentic self without fear.

​

08/03/2026

Happy International Women's Day! 💜✨

​Today, March 8, we don't just celebrate how far we’ve come; we recognize the work that still lies ahead.

Being a woman isn’t a monolith—it’s a beautiful, intersectional spectrum of experiences.

​Real gender equality means fighting for all women:
​Our Le***an & Bisexual sisters who navigate a world that often tries to erase their love.
​Our Trans sisters whose womanhood is valid, powerful, and deserving of safety and respect.

​Every person across the SOGIESC spectrum who challenges traditional norms to live authentically.

​The feminist fight continues until every woman, regardless of her background, identity, or who she loves, can live with autonomy, dignity, and joy.

​Let’s keep breaking barriers and building a world where "equality" isn't just a buzzword, but a lived reality for everyone. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️✊🏽

​

14/02/2026

Have a happy and safe Valentines Day.. Spend your day full of love!

16/01/2026

As we unite as a strong CURLS - Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector Inc. organization for 2026 , we continue our mission/vision to serve our fellow LGBTQ+ community in the City of Cebu. We standing firm in providing essential services and passionate advocacy. Together, we empower, uplift, and create lasting change!

mag padayon kita 🏳️‍⚧️🌈

24/12/2025

🎄 Malipayong Pasko sa Tanan gikan sa CURLS! 🌈

​Karong panahon sa paghatag ug paghigugma, ang Cebu United Rainbow LGBTIQ Sector Inc. nanghinaut og usa ka mabulukon ug malinawon nga Pasko alang sa tanan.

​Padayon kita sa pagpakaylap sa:
✨ Kadaiyahan (Diversity)
✨ Kalamboan (Progress)
✨ Kaayohan (Well-being)

​Hinaot nga ang matag panimalay mapuno sa kalipay, pagdawat, ug panaghiusa. Bisag unsa pa ang kolor sa imong balangaw, duna kay dapit sa among kasing-kasing.

​Maayong Pasko, Sugbo! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

​