Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51)
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is placed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The Chairperson is the Secretary of the DSWD. The Co-Chairpersons are the Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs is tasked to promote equality, non-discrimination, inclusion, and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community, review existing issuances affecting the community, coordinate government efforts, facilitate dialogue with the LGBTQIA+ community, and lead programs and projects related to their rights and welfare.
The President appoints the Chairperson and three members of the Special Committee from reputable LGBTQIA+ organizations. The Chairperson must have the rank of an Undersecretary, while the members must have the rank of Assistant Secretary.
The Special Committee ensures LGBTQIA+ policies are included in the DIP, assists in reviewing related issuances, recommends measures to the Office of the President, coordinates for data availability, facilitates dialogue, conducts programs, and advocates for rights and welfare.
The Secretariat, established within the DSWD, provides administrative and technical support to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs.
Both the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs must convene at least once every quarter or as often as deemed necessary by their respective chairpersons.
The international obligations cited include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which mandate non-discrimination and respect for human rights of all individuals without distinction.
EO No. 51 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.