On 13 February 2026, delegates gathered at the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall of Saint Louis University’s Sacred Heart Medical Center for a discussion titled “The Politics of Regulating Intimacy: A Critical Re‑examination of our Laws and Interpretation,” led by Senior Associate Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” F. Leonen of the Philippine Supreme Court.
Key moments of the forum
University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales opened the event, stressing that law is “an ongoing conversation about dignity, equality, and belonging” and noting SLU’s concrete steps such as gender‑neutral comfort rooms, a gender‑sensitive dress code and safe spaces.
Justice Leonen then examined the uncertainty and discrimination surrounding same‑sex marriage, arguing that lawyers should not preserve the status quo but rather perform to change it. He observed that existing statutes reinforce heteronormative ideals, privileging heterosexual relationships.
He highlighted that the Philippines has not enacted any legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and recalled that “a resolution was once even introduced in the House to denounce educational material mentioning same‑sex marriage.”
Turning to matrimonial law, Leonen warned that the labels “legitimate” and “illegitimate” stigmatize children born outside marriage, asserting that “there are no illegitimate children, only illegitimate acts by parents.”
The Justice concluded by urging students to “construe law knowing our freedom is individually and socially meaningful,” after which an hour‑long open forum allowed students and aspiring lawyers to pose questions on the topics discussed.
Atty. Yasmine Lee R. Tadeo, SOL Dean, closed the session by asking why the government continues to allocate scarce resources to regulate whom we love, how we love, and when it should end.
The event, attended mainly by students from SLU’s School of Law and Political Science, was organized through SOL’s Discipuli Legis Universitatis Sancti Aloysii and the Chief Justice Manuel Moran Community Legal Assistance Office, and it promoted UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the discussion on regulating intimacy?
The discussion was led by Senior Associate Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” F. Leonen of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
What legal issues were highlighted during the event?
Justice Leonen addressed discrimination against same‑sex couples, the lack of laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity, and the stigmatization of children labeled “illegitimate” under current matrimonial law.
What broader goals did the organizers associate with the forum?
The organizers linked the event to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 10 and 16, emphasizing quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities and strong institutions.
What do you think could be the next steps for legal reform in the Philippines regarding intimacy and family law?
