Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Wednesday hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order 51 — which creates a special committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Plus affairs — saying that it a testament of the government to push gender equality.

Abalos stressed that he stands with Marcos in espousing a society where diversity and inclusion remain foundational posts in establishing a truly united country.

"The signing of Executive Order 51, s. 2023 by the President is a bold and welcome move as it recognizes the need to tackle and put the rights of Filipinos, regardless of gender and sexual orientation," Abalos said.