By Rowena Cruz General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido (Photo from Mayor Matt Florido Withaheart/FACEBOOK) GENERAL LUNA, Quezon - "D...
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| General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido (Photo from Mayor Matt Florido Withaheart/FACEBOOK) |
GENERAL LUNA, Quezon - "Dito sa bayang may puso, tanggap ka. Whatever the case, ano ang iyong kasarian, maging ang estado sa buhay, karapatan ng bawat isa ang respeto".
On July 26, 2023, Mayor Matt Erwin Florido of General Luna, Quezon made this statement in response to a now-deleted anti-gay Facebook post by the former mayor about the town fiesta, saying "..ngayon pang KBKLAAN na lamang—all it's gay."
Former Mayor Benson Sangalang, who is under fire and being chastised, served as mayor of General Luna from 2015 to 2018.
Florido strongly condemned Sangalang's remarks, emphasizing that such discriminatory language perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines progress toward creating an inclusive and accepting community.
The current mayor also stated that this is not the case with his administration, which accepts all people regardless of sexual orientation or preference or social status. Everyone deserves to be respected, he added.
He emphasized the importance of respecting and valuing the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Florido claims that the former mayor prioritized the construction of a beer plaza in Fiesta, but he is more focused on his Heart Agenda, which is dedicated to providing better education and opportunities for growth to youth.
Also, because we are in the post-pandemic year, he said, he is focusing more on rebuilding the lives of his constituents who have been affected by the crisis.
Furthermore, Florido stated that his programs are for both sexes and include the Lakan at Lakambini 2023, which aims to promote gender equality and empower both men and women in their respective roles in society.
A talent contest, a performance by comedians and celebrities, a parade, a barangay night, and a bazaar to support small businesses are among the activities planned for the Lakan at Lakambini 2023 event.
Florido stated that he welcomes criticism, but not comments that are disrespectful, derogatory, or contradict the values of a community or sector.
He believes that open communication and feedback are critical to the success of his programs. He encourages the public to share their thoughts and ideas, believing that it will help to make the event more inclusive and impactful.
Meanwhile, Sangalang publicly apologizes for any offense caused by his previous comments and assures the public that he is committed to learning from his mistakes and growing as an individual.
He claimed the remarks were made by his wife and did not reflect his own beliefs or values.
He emphasizes the importance of accepting responsibility for one's actions and working to make amends for any harm done.
He recognizes the value of respectful communication and promises to engage in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and progress.
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