“Sa Lunes ating pong personal na ififile ang WITHDRAWAL ng proposal na ito”: Baguio Councilor Bilog backs out of LGBTQIA+ uniform proposal as public opposition grows

Baguio City, Philippines – Saying he does not want the proposal to become a source of division, Baguio City Councilor Edison R. Bilog announced that he will withdraw his proposed Gender-Inclusive School Uniform Ordinance after it sparked intense public debate and drew mixed reactions, with many expressing opposition to the measure.

Bilog made the announcement through a Facebook post, saying he intends to personally file the withdrawal of the proposed ordinance on Monday, July 6, after seeing the divided public response it generated.

The city legislator said he no longer wants the measure to become an obstacle to unity among the people.

"I would be WITHDRAWING this proposal. Nakita ko po nagkakahati hati ang ating mga kababayan sa issue na ito. Madami pong mas mabigat na problema ang ating paaralan, and kailangan nagkakaisa tayo'ng lutasin ang mga problema na 'yan. And itong proposal natin ay maaring maging balakid sa pagkakaisang 'yan. Kung kaya po sa Lunes ating pong personal na ififile ang WITHDRAWAL ng proposal na ito," Bilog wrote.

The councilor's decision came only days after the proposal became one of the most widely discussed local measures online, with thousands of netizens expressing differing opinions on the issue.

Proposal sought to give students freedom to choose school-approved uniforms

Entitled the "Gender-Inclusive School Uniform Ordinance of Baguio City," the proposed measure sought to allow students in both public and private schools in the city to choose from school-approved uniform options regardless of sex or gender.

Contrary to some public perceptions, the proposal did not seek to abolish school uniforms or allow students to wear clothing outside their schools' prescribed dress codes.

Instead, it sought to give students the option to wear any of the uniforms already approved by their respective schools.

A copy of the proposed ordinance states:

"Providing students with the freedom to choose among approved uniform options does not diminish academic standards, discipline, institutional identity, or school traditions, but rather reinforces the principles of dignity, inclusion, and respect."

In the same statement, Bilog clarified that the ordinance was never intended solely for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, saying,

"As the author of the proposal, gusto ko lang linawin na hindi po ito para lang sa mga kababayan nating miyembro ng LGBTQIA+. Ito rin po ay para sa lahat."

To explain his point, Bilog cited practical situations where female students may choose to wear pants, such as protecting themselves from mosquito bites during dengue outbreaks or avoiding discomfort and accidental exposure during strong winds and typhoons.

Bilog emphasized that the proposal would still require students to wear school-approved uniforms and would not permit clothing outside existing school dress codes.

"Halimbawa po ay ang pagpili ng isang babae na magsuot ng pants para makaiwas sa kagat ng lamok lalo ngayong panahon ng dengue, o kaya naman ay sa panahon ng bagyo kung saan malakas ang hangin at maaaring hindi komportable ang pagsusuot ng palda," he added.

Mixed public reaction

The proposal triggered extensive discussion on social media, with many netizens sharing contrasting views on whether the ordinance should move forward.

Supporters argued that the measure would help create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students, while critics maintained that schools should continue determining their own uniform policies and preserve long-standing traditions.

Although Bilog said public opinion was divided, several commenters on Guru Press Cordillera's Facebook post believed opposition outweighed support.

One commenter, Kian Belino, questioned the councilor's claim that public opinion was evenly split.

"As said earlier by the councilor who proposed this ordinance, he will withdraw this proposed ordinance by Monday. Sabi niya hati daw ang opinion... pero we can see the majority not half," Belino commented.

Others argued that city officials should prioritize more pressing concerns affecting schools.

One commenter wrote:

"...uniform lang 'yan, bakit pressed kayong hindi mga bading? It's the school's uniform naman eh so what. There's an increasing number of school violence cases, why not focus there?".

Another commenter, Emerson B. Ocampo, welcomed Bilog's decision to withdraw the proposal and urged the council to focus on other issues.

"Nag withdraw na ang nagmastermind ng proposal na si Bilog... get in touch with reality Bilog, do something useful for a change," he wrote.

Despite the criticism, some netizens defended the ordinance, saying it promoted inclusivity while still requiring students to wear school-approved uniforms.

Mx Alex argued that allowing students to choose among approved uniforms could benefit gender-diverse students.

"For gender-diverse, transgender, non-binary, cross-dressing, and androgynous students, being allowed to express their gender identity authentically is more than a matter of visibility or inclusion—it is a matter of dignity, empowerment, and mental well-being."

Meanwhile, Nikoleta Salvatore pointed out that some schools in Metro Manila have already adopted similar practices. "Some schools here in Manila already embraced inclusivity however with proper guidance from the counselor of course."

Proposal no longer expected to proceed

With Bilog's planned withdrawal, the proposed ordinance is no longer expected to proceed to deliberation before the Baguio City Council.

His decision marks an unexpected turn for one of the city's most widely discussed legislative proposals, ending its journey with the view that preserving community unity is more important than pursuing a measure that has divided public opinion.

The withdrawal effectively ends the legislative process before the ordinance could undergo committee deliberations and public consultations with stakeholders, including school administrators, parents, teachers, and students.

Although the measure will no longer move forward, the discussions it generated highlighted the differing views among residents on balancing inclusivity, existing school policies, and the priorities that local governments should address in the education sector.