Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos continue to experience stigma, prejudice and discrimination in Philippine society. This stigma is manifested in actions such as: bullying, teasing and harassment of LGBT children and adolescents in families, schools and communities; media portrayal of LGBTs as frivolous, untrustworthy and even dangerous or predatory; denying transgender Filipinos entry into commercial establishments; pigeonholing LGBT Filipinos into particularly limited roles and occupations; or curtailing their rights to participate in the political sphere.

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) reiterates its stand against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) and rejects recent narratives that directly or indirectly use psychology in ways that misinform the public and stigmatize LGBT+ Filipinos. Stigma and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities, including misinformed claims associating their identities and experiences with mental illness, have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of LGBT+ individuals, families, and communities (Meyer, 2003).

We in the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) oppose the current approach of criminalizing drug use, with its attendant programs that vilify drug users, violate human rights, and disregard legal and due process. Criminalizing drug users has been shown in other countries to be ineffective in solving the drug addiction problem.

This statement is issued by the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) to clarify what bullying is, its causes, and what schools and families can do to prevent it. > WHAT IS BULLYING? > HOW OFTEN DOES BULLYING HAPPEN? > WHY DOES BULLYING HAPPEN? > WHAT CAN SCHOOLS DO TO PREVENT BULLYING? > WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? > ON SOCIAL MEDIA USE

This statement is issued by the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) to inform the public regarding the ethical and valid use of psychological assessments, in response to the recent legislative proceedings that highlight the alleged mental/psychological condition of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. The PAP maintains that in giving this statement, the organization is neither supporting nor opposing any position regarding the issues involving Chief Justice Sereno. It only seeks to clarify the function of psychological assessments and the diagnosis of psychological conditions.

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) presents current scientific knowledge about child and adolescent development and expresses its position against House Bill No. 6052, titled “An Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines.” Deficiencies in decision-making capacity, heightened vulnerability to coercive circumstances, and the disadvantaged environment of children in conflict with the law in the Philippines are elaborated as the primary reasons for this position.