Geraldine Roman (center) is greeted by her supporters during a Miting de Avance in Orani, Bataan last May 6. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

MANILA - The Philippines' first transgender lawmaker is eyeing a law that will legalize same-sex civil unions as well as allow adoptions for same-sex couples.

Bataan Representative-elect Geraldine Roman told media she has been studying the possibility of legalizing same-sex civil unions instead of same-sex marriage "for practical purposes."

"Iba ang same-sex marriage kasi yung term, first of all, is very controversial. There are certain sectors in our society that want an exclusive hold on that term, let them keep that term. What we want are the civil rights as well as privileges and obligations of a marriage. We can call it civil union," she said.

Roman said any lawmaker pushing for same-sex marriage will need to test the waters in Congress, adding the proposal may not prosper due to lack of numbers.

"I don't think it's going to prosper but if you pass something that's strictly civil, that will not hurt religious sensibilities such as a civil union, you might have a better chance. Adoption, yes. Kasama ang adoption. That is also a civil right so yes."

Roman, who won a seat in the first district of Bataan, earlier said her victory proves that members of the LGBT community can take an active role in building the nation.

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She said she also wants to push for anti-discrimination laws in Congress.

"Sa akin, susuportahan ko yung anti-discrimination [deal] of course. Gender-specific laws. For example, gender recognition for transgender people who have undergone sex reassignment, surgery. That's one of the things, anything that will give equality. Pantay pantay na karapatan. Nothing more, nothing less, basta pantay pantay na karapatang pantao," she said.

She also favors the legalization of divorce, saying there are relationships "that have no hope."

"Maybe if we have a divorce law, that will make people value more their relationships and work harder towards a happier relationship. The problem now is we don't have a divorce law and people take their relationship for granted but anyway I wanted as a solution, possible solution for people who are totally incompatible - remake their lives and pursue their happiness. I think they also have a right to do that," she said.

Roman, however, disagrees with the proposal of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to adopt a 3-child policy.

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"Can you legislate something like that as a personal decision? Maybe we can encourage people sa pamamagitan ng education on responsible parenthood and family planning pero for you to legislate and put a number to family planning, maybe we have to consider also if there is a violation of our constitutional right. Karapatan yun. It's a personal choice ng mga magulang ang dami ng anak. It's a personal choice but of course I'm in favor of responsible parenthood."

Roman also thumbed down the reimposition of the death penalty, saying she is a believer in second chances.

"Lahat tayo nagkakamali although merong pagkakataon even as a human being nakikita ko karumal-dumal na krimen talagang nakakapanggigil. Nakakapanggalit. But still we are a nation of laws. Our aspiration is that we will be governed by laws and we will maintain our respect for life. Buhay above all. Buhay ng taong ating pinaglalaban Buhay ng taong dapat nating ipagtanggol. Kahit ang mga taong nagkamali sa lipunan ay may karapatan ding magkaroon ng pagbabago," she said.

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