Joseph Carne-Ross
Geraldine Roman | |
---|---|
![]() Roman's official portrait during the 19th Congress | |
Chair of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality | |
Assumed office July 27, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Ma. Lourdes Acosta Alba |
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Bataan's 1st district | |
Assumed office June 30, 2016 | |
Preceded by | Herminia Roman |
Personal details | |
Born | Gerry Batista Roman April 23, 1967 Orani, Bataan, Philippines |
Political party | Lakas–CMD (2020–present) |
Other political affiliations | PDP–Laban (2017–2020) Liberal (2015–2017) |
Alma mater | University of the Philippines Diliman (BA) University of the Basque Country (MA) |
Profession |
|
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command |
Rank | ![]() |
Geraldine Batista Roman (born Gerry Batista Roman; April 23, 1967) is a Filipino journalist and politician serving as the Representative of Bataan's 1st district since 2016. She is the first transgender person elected to the Congress of the Philippines.[1][2]
She was named as one of the 100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016 by US-based Foreign Policy magazine, and one of the 13 Inspiring Women of 2016 by Time magazine.[3][4] She has been a member of the Lakas–CMD party since 2020, having previously been a member of the Liberal Party from 2015 to 2017 and PDP-Laban from 2017 to 2020.
Biography
Geraldine Roman was born as a male, second of four children born into the family of politicians Herminia Roman and Antonino Roman, Jr.[5] She was teased by her classmates but her father taught her to be confident.[6]
Roman attended the basic education unit of Ateneo de Manila University for her elementary and high school studies. For her collegiate studies, she attended the University of the Philippines Diliman. She managed to secure a scholarship to pursue journalism at the University of the Basque Country in Spain and attained two master's degrees.[7] She worked in Spain as a senior editor for the Spanish News Agency before returning to the Philippines in 2012 to take care of her father, who was seriously ill by that time.[6]
Political career
Congress
During the 2016 Philippine elections, Roman ran under the Liberal Party banner for the position of 1st district representative for Bataan in the House of Representatives. She competed against Hermosa mayor Danilo Malana of Aksyon Demokratiko and won with more than 62% of the total votes and became the first ever transgender congresswoman in the Congress of the Philippines. Roman succeeded the incumbent, her mother Hermina Roman, who had a limited term.[5]
As a neophyte, she, along with other elected lawmakers (collectively known as "equality champs"), launched the passage of the anti-discrimination bill on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (now known as the SOGIE Equality Bill) through a speech in the House of Representatives that garnered international support for LGBT rights in the Philippines.[8] She also filed bills regarding eco-tourism, livelihood enhancements, agriculture advancements, health, and education, which were the advocacies of her family, and were focused on the first district of Bataan. She was named as one of the "13 Inspiring Women of 2016" by Time magazine in October 2016.[9][4]
In March 2017, while stating that she personally was against the death penalty, Roman voted in favor of the measure in the House, citing pressure from the House leadership. House Speaker Alvarez has previously threatened those who would vote against the Duterte-backed measure, stating that he would strip lawmakers from their congressional leadership posts, which would affect all the advocacy bills of stripped members, including the Bataan-focused bills and SOGIE Equality Bill of Roman.[10] In May, she left the Liberal Party and transferred to PDP–Laban, the current ruling political party of the Philippines, to hasten the House passage of the bills that she supported.[11] In September, the SOGIE Equality Bill passed unanimously in the House of Representatives, after 17 years of political limbo, with no lawmakers voting against it.[12] Additionally, the Free Wifi Internet Act, authored by Roman, was legislated into law. The law mandated the provisions for free wi-fi internet access in public areas.[13]
In January 2018, Roman, along with the House Speaker, filed House Bill 6595 (the Civil Partnership Bill), which seeks to legalize civil unions, regardless of gender.[14] In February, Roman became a reservist officer for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.[15][16] In August, she filed the Regional Investment and Infrastructure Council Act, which sought to create special economic zones in Luzon.[17] In September, Roman became the first committee chair of the newly created House Committee on Disaster Management.[18] In October, she again pushed for the same-sex civil union bill, adding that the "sky will not fall" if the bill is passed.[19] During the same month, she filed her certificate of candidacy for reelection in her district.[20] In November 2018, during the first meeting of the House Committee on Disaster Management which she chairs, Roman prioritized the rehabilitation of the war-torn Islamic City of Marawi.[21] By the end of the year, various measures authored by Roman were enacted into law. Some of these include the Senior Pension Act, which increased the monthly pensions of senior veterans,[22] the Bataan Foundation Act, which declares January 11 as a holiday in her home province,[23] and the Orani Foundation Act, which declares April 21 a holiday commemorating the foundation of Orani, her hometown.[24]
In February 2019, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, authored by Roman, was enacted into law. The measure institutionalized a national cancer control program in the country.[25] In April, the Safe Spaces Act, authored by Roman, was passed into law. The measure defined gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, workplaces, and educational or training institutions while providing protective measures and prescribing penalties.[26] In the May 2019 district elections, Roman ran for reelection under the PDP–Laban banner, competing against Emelita Justo Lubag of Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino and won with 91% of the total votes.[27]
In August 2019, Roman sought a probe on incidents of discrimination against trans people.[28] She also campaigned for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community to "demand from government what is due to us as human beings".[29] Roman also refiled the SOGIE Equality Bill in the House after it was not enacted into law in the previous Congress, where the measure passed in the House but failed in the Senate.[30] Roman asked the President to certify the SOGIE bill as urgent.[31] However, by September, President Duterte withdrew support of the SOGIE Bill instead.[32] In November, despite the setbacks, Roman continued to push for the bill, acknowledging that a gender-neutral bathroom policy would be a temporary solution in one of the issues raised.[33]
In March 2020, Roman left PDP-Laban to join the Lakas–CMD party.[34] In November 2020, Roman called out a critic of the SOGIE Equality Bill who made false statements to create disinformation against the proposed measure.[35] Just a couple of months after leaving Duterte's PDP-Laban, President Duterte attacked Roman, who he alleged was involved in an anomalous transaction project with the DPWH. Roman denied the allegations, citing Duterte's own words, wherein the president admitted on record that he does not have any verified information to back his accusation.[36]
In May 2021, Roman pushed to include the intersex community in the draft SOGIE Equality Bill, however, conservative factions of the government blocked her proposal.[37] In March, Roman again participated in the Semana Santa celebrations in Bataan. Her family has been spearheading the Catholic festivities for generations.[38] In June, Roman launched an outreach program for the people of Bataan, providing necessities during the nationwide pandemic lockdown.[39] She also sent in aid for the outreach program launched separately by the Bataan governor in August.[40] In January 2022, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an outbreak occurred in Bataan, resulting to many of the staff from Roman's office to become infected. Roman assured the public that her local office will reopen after following proper government protocols.[41]
Due to her popularity in the first district of Bataan, no politician contested against her in the May 2022 district elections, leading to her third term victory.[42] In November 2022, Roman launched her YouTube channel.[43] In December 2022, the House passed the Barangay Skilled Workers Registry Act, authored by Roman, which mandates all barangays to create a registry of skilled works.[44][45] Roman also filed a bill for the institutionalization of the second phase of the Agrarian Reform Act, which aims to distribute agricultural lands to qualified beneficiaries fully subsidized by the State.[46]
In February 2023, the Freelance Workers Protection Act, authored by Roman, was passed in the House. The measure provides protection and incentives to freelance workers.[47][48] In August 2023, on Earth Day, Roman called on for more environmental protection measures for the country.[49] In December 2023, the Caregivers Welfare Act, authored by Roman, was signed into law. The measure institutes policies for the protection and welfare of caregivers in the practice of their profession.[50][51]
In May 2024, the Eddie Garcia Act, authored by Roman, was signed into law. The act institutes policies for the protection and promotion of the welfare of workers and independent contractors in the film, television, and radio entertainment industry.[52][53] In June, Roman urged President Marcos to certify the SOGIE Equality Bill as urgent legislation.[54] In December, in an ambush interview, Roman apologized for her silence during the Duterte administration, citing that during that time, the government established a culture of silence especially against women politicians where opposition figures were either arrested or persecuted. She added that she had to safeguard her home district from the government. She also apologized to former senator Leila de Lima, who was unjustifiably imprisoned by Duterte.[55] De Lima acknowledged she was hurt, but accepted Roman's apology, acknowledging her bravery for coming forward.[56] On the same month, Roman announced that the House of Representative would process the impeachment complaints against vice president Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte.[57]
On February 2025, Roman was among the 95 Lakas–CMD members who voted to impeach vice president Sara Duterte.[58][59] A total of 215 members or 70% of the House voted to impeach Duterte.[60] In March, Roman voiced the need to review the Family Code, which prioritizes the husband over the wife in 11 of its articles. She also again voiced her support for the divorce bill, which has met support in the House but has buckled in the Senate.[61] After the arrest of former president Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Roman pushed the government to rejoin the ranks of the ICC.[62]
Committee memberships
- Veterans Affairs and Welfare, Chairperson
- Women and Gender Equality, Chairperson
- Appropriations, Member of the Majority
- Climate Change, Member of the Majority
- Poverty Alleviation, Member of the Majority
- Sustainable Development Goals, Member of the Majority
House measures authored
- HB05225
AN ACT MANDATING THE PROVISION OF FREE WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS IN PUBLIC AREAS
Status: Republic Act RA10929 enacted on 2017-08-02
- HB05563
AN ACT DECLARING APRIL 21 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI, PROVINCE OF BATAAN, IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY, TO BE KNOWN AS "ORANI FOUNDATION DAY"
Status: Republic Act RA11145 enacted on 2018-11-09
- HB06178
AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 11 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF BATAAN IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY, TO BE KNOWN AS " BATAAN FOUNDATION DAY "
Status: Republic Act RA11138 enacted on 2018-11-09
- HB07525
AN ACT INCREASING THE MONTHLY PENSION OF SENIOR VETERANS THEREBY AMENDING RA 6948, AS AMENDED
Status: Republic Act RA11164 enacted on 2018-12-20
- HB08636
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL INTEGRATED CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Status: Republic Act RA11215 enacted on 2019-02-14
- HB08794
AN ACT DEFINING GENDER-BASED SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN STREETS, PUBLIC SPACES, ONLINE, WORKPLACES, AND EDUCATIONAL OR TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, PROVIDING PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES THEREFOR
Status: Republic Act RA11313 enacted on 2019-04-17
Political positions
Federalism
Roman expressed her support for a federal form of government in the Philippines, but stated that she will introduce a clause that aims to guarantee the country's territorial integrity as she perceives that a federal system without such clause will lead to separatism due to the country's various ethnic groups, geographies, and regionalism. She cited the Spanish federal system as a possible reference for the Philippines' federal prospects.[63]
Habeas corpus
Roman voted to approve a bill to reinstate the death penalty in the Philippines during its final reading on March 29, 2017, which met criticism online. She explained that she needed to compromise in order for her other advocacies and projects to push through. Earlier, she expressed opposition to the bill and called for the respect of the rights of convicts for reformation. Roman held a survey to gauge the views of her constituents in first district of Bataan and 85 percent of participants in a survey she conducted favored death penalty.[64]
Same-sex marriage
Roman is the vice-chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Committee of the Philippine House of Representatives.[65] She supports same-sex civil unions for the Philippines, but said the first priority should be an anti-discrimination law, followed by a revision of the family code. She believes that at the present time, a marriage equality bill will not pass in Congress, due to the present status quo, which is why campaigning for it should be a top priority in the coming decades. In September 2017, the SOGIE Equality Bill passed in the House. In late 2017, Roman filed a civil union bill that caters to both heterosexual couples and non-heterosexual couples. The bill is backed by the majority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives, including the House Speaker.[66]
Health services
Roman is a member of the Health Committee of the House of Representatives.[65] She has filed a Cancer Institute bill in the House which was passed into law last February of this year as well as a Caregiver's bill. Roman supports the Mental Health Law, which was passed in 2017. She has filed a Hospitals Classification Bill which seeks to standardize the equipment, facilities, and services of hospitals on the basis of their level of classification.
War veterans' rights
Roman is an advocate for war veteran rights in the Philippines. She is the incumbent chairperson for the Veteran Affairs and Welfare Committee in the House of Representatives. She has filed a bill seeking to increase the monthly pension of Filipino war veterans.[65]
Tourism
Roman is an avid fan of history, culture, and the environment. She stated that her love for culture and the environment developed at home and was polished during her almost 20 years of stay in Spain, where she learned a lot about history and received two master's degrees. She has filed bills for the protection and conservation of numerous tourist sites in the first district of Bataan.[67]
Education
Roman supports higher education in the Philippines. She has filed the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Students (UNIFAST) bill in the House of Representatives. Additionally, she has filed a bill which seeks to mandate the government to open all of its books to the people via online library.[67]
Indigenous people's rights
Roman has filed a bill seeking to increase the representation of indigenous peoples in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, which is near her home province of Bataan.
Agriculture and aquaculture
Roman has filed bills on the sustainability of agriculture and aquaculture in the province of Bataan. She has also filed the re-allotment of public lands and urban lands for agricultural lands.[67]
Military career
Roman is the first transgender military officer and reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel.[68][69][70]
Personal life
In the 1990s, Roman underwent sex reassignment surgery, had her name legally changed, and legally changed her gender to "female".[6] She did it through an appeal through the Regional Trial Court.[71]
Roman's partner Alberto is a Spaniard residing in Spain; they are not married.[72] Aside from her native Tagalog, she also speaks English, Spanish, French and Italian.[73][2] She is member of the Philippine Academy of the Spanish Language. She is a practicing Catholic.[74]
Awards and recognitions
- 100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016 by US-based Foreign Policy magazine[3]
- Part of "Inspiring Women of 2016" list by Time magazine[4]
References
- ^ Robert Sawatzky (May 10, 2016). "Philippines elects first transgender Man". CNN.
- ^ a b Chen, Heather (May 10, 2016). "Geraldine Roman: First transgender politician elected in the Philippines". BBC News. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ a b "Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman receives int'l award for redefining governance". cnn. Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Geraldine Roman joins Hillary, Beyonce on list of Inspiring Women 2016". GMA News Online. October 12, 2016.
- ^ a b "Transgender bet worries which 'CR' to use in House". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Inquirer Central Luzon. March 29, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Transgender politician poised for historic win in Catholic Philippines". Rappler. Agence France-Presse. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
- ^ Remoto, Danton (14 May 2016). "The fabulous Geraldine Roman". The Philippine Star. Lodestar. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
- ^ Cepeda, Mara (19 September 2016). "Emotional Roman urges Congress to pass anti-discrimination bill". Rappler.
- ^ "These 13 Women Inspired Us in 2016". Time.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman cites politics in backing death penalty Primary tabs". PhilStar. March 8, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Yellow no more: Roman, 3 other LP lawmakers jumping ship to PDP–Laban". Rappler. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
- ^ "House passes SOGIE equality bill on final reading". Rappler. Sep 20, 2017. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 10929". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "House tackles bill legalizing same sex, live-in partnerships". cnn. Archived from the original on 2018-02-15. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
- ^ "First transgender lawmaker joins armed forces". Rappler. Feb 14, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ Mangosing, Frances (14 February 2018). "First transgender solon in PH joins military". Inquirer News. Archived from the original on February 14, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Roman seeks to create special economic zones in Luzon". 2018-08-12.
- ^ "House creates 3 new committees". ABS-CBN News. September 11, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ Cepeda, Mara (4 October 2016). "Roman: 'Sky will not fall' if same-sex civil union bill is passed". Rappler. Archived from the original on October 5, 2016. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ Pathricia Ann V Roxas (17 October 2018). "Rep. Geraldine Roman files COC, seeks reelection". Inquirer News. Archived from the original on November 4, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Roman's House panel stands with Marawi siege victims". Politiko. November 23, 2018. Archived from the original on January 5, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 11164". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 11138". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 11145". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 11215". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 11313". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ PJI (October 18, 2020). "Romualdez: Lakas growing, getting stronger". Journal Online. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman, Makabayan bloc seek probe into discrimination vs. trans woman at QC mall". GMA News. August 14, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Roman to LGBTQ+: 'Demand from gov't what is due us as human beings'". ABS-CBN News. Aug 14, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "'Time to dispel old stereotypes': Solon says SOGIE bill needed to address special needs of LGBTQ+ sector". Manila Bulletin. Aug 18, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Roman asks Duterte to certify SOGIE equality bill as urgent". Inquirer. August 16, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Duterte won't certify SOGIE equality bill as urgent after all". Rappler. Sep 11, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman favors gender-neutral bathrooms as temporary solution". GMA News. November 29, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ PJI (October 18, 2020). "Romualdez: Lakas growing, getting stronger". Journal Online. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman slams SOGIE Bill critic who asked if 'pedophilia, necrophilia' part of 'LGBTQ++'". GMA News. November 4, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Bataan solon ready to face probe on reported DPWH kickback". Philippine News Agency. December 29, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "'Intersex' excluded from definition of sex in draft anti-discrimination bill". PhilStar. May 11, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Bataan congresswoman Geraldine Roman is in a Semana Santa state of mind". Politiko. March 29, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Bataan solon starts outreach program to mark Pride Month". Inquirer. June 10, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Bataan town gives allowances to village workers, readies ECQ aid". Philippine News Agency. August 11, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Bataan 1st district office temporarily closed due to Covid-19". Philippine News Agency. January 12, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman wins uncontested as Bataan rep". ABS-CBN News. May 12, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman launches own YouTube channel". ABS-CBN News. Nov 30, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman's "ROMANtik" voice in Congress". PeopleAsia. 23 April 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Congress Passes: The Barangay Skilled Workers Registry Act". Palasan Law and Partners. Dec 21, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman's "ROMANtik" voice in Congress". PeopleAsia. 23 April 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman's "ROMANtik" voice in Congress". PeopleAsia. 23 April 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "House approves bill protecting freelance workers". Philippine News Agency. February 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman: 'Our children deserve a world free from pollution'". Politiko. April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman's "ROMANtik" voice in Congress". PeopleAsia. 23 April 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "PBBM signs "Caregiver Welfare Act" protecting caregivers' rights, welfare". Presidential Communications Office. December 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman's "ROMANtik" voice in Congress". PeopleAsia. 23 April 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "PBBM signs 'Eddie Garcia Law' to protect movie, TV workers". Presidential Communications Office. May 27, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Rep. Roman, LGBTQIA+ groups urge Marcos to certify SOGIESC bill as urgent". GMA News. June 14, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ "Roman says sorry for silence vs past admin: I had to protect my district". Inquirer. December 2, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "De Lima to Roman: I was hurt, but I forgive you". Politiko. December 6, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "House to process impeachment complaint vs Sara Duterte — lawmakers". GMA News. December 3, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ Flores, Dominique Nicole (February 5, 2025). "Who are the 215 House endorsers of VP Sara Duterte's impeachment?". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ Cervantes, Filane Mikee (February 6, 2025). "25 more lawmakers want to join as complainants vs. VP Sara". Philippine News Agency. Manila: News and Information Bureau, Presidential Communications Office. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "Sara Duterte impeached; House gets 215 to sign". Inquirer. February 6, 2025. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Women's Month: Rep. Roman pushes wives' equality". Tribune. 3 March 2025. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "After Duterte's arrest, next step for PH is to rejoin ICC – Roman". Inquirer. March 11, 2025. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ "Solon vows to introduce clause to guarantee PH territorial integrity - Inquirer News". newsinfo.inquirer.net. 22 February 2017.
- ^ "Transgender solon Roman on death penalty vote: Politics is compromise - Inquirer News". newsinfo.inquirer.net. 8 March 2017.
- ^ a b c "House of Representatives". www.congress.gov.ph.
- ^ "LGBT pioneer in Congress favors 'baby steps' in same-sex marriage". Manila Bulletin News. Archived from the original on 2018-06-23. Retrieved 2018-06-23.
- ^ a b c "House of Representatives". www.congress.gov.ph.
- ^ "Roman now a lieutenant colonel, first transgender reservist of AFP : Politiko Central Luzon". February 15, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- ^ Cigaral, Mhike (February 15, 2018). "Roman takes oath as AFP reservist officer". iOrbitNews Online. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- ^ Cruz, RG (February 15, 2018). "First transgender lawmaker joins AFP as reservist". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on February 15, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Philippine laws are still confused about gender". CNN Philippines. November 20, 2018. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman on being the 1st transgender in Congress, beauty secrets, love, Duterte, Pope Francis & Pacquiao". The Philippine Star. May 29, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
I'm not married. I have a partner of 18 years. He's a Spanish man, a former cameraman for TV
- ^ Taculao, Patricia S (November 15, 2022). "Getting to know more about Geraldine Roman". Manila Standard. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Geraldine Roman "Just another politician who happens to be transgender"". CNN. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
And while some see the influence of the church as a stumbling block, [Geraldine] Roman – a practicing Catholic – says she doesn't believe that to be true.