(UPDATED) Senate President Vicente Sotto III says the SOGIE equality bill stands no chance if 'it transgresses on academic freedom, religious freedom, and women’s rights'

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Senate President Vicente Sotto III told reporters on Wednesday evening, August 21, that the SOGIE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression) equality bill has "no chance" of hurdling the upper chamber.

Asked whether the SOGIE bill will be approved in the Senate, Sotto said that an anti-discrimination bill that includes other sectors of society might have a better chance of passing.

"Anti-discrimination on persons, p'wede. [P]ero focused on gays, which the SOGIE bill is, and religious and academic freedom impeded; plus smuggling of same-sex marriage? No chance!" Sotto said.

(The anti-discrimination on persons [in general] might be approved. But if focused on gays, which the SOGIE bill is, and religious and academic freedom impeded; plus smuggling of same-sex marriage? No chance!)

Sotto echoed the stance of other lawmakers who said they would approve of the proposed measure if it covers other sectors. (READ: Pimentel questions need for SOGIE bill)

Three senators filed their own versions of the SOGIE equality bill: Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Imee Marcos, and Senator Francis Pangilinan. Read more via Rappler