By Tetch Torres INQUIRER.net First Posted 19:21:00 02/04/2009 MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said it is the responsibility of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to draft policies to protect lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) against discrimination. In a three-page opinion, Gonzalez said Articles 2(2) and 26 of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is a signatory, requires that LGBTs be entitled to equal protection before the law. The opinion was issued after Akbayan party-list Representative Ana Theresa Hontiveros-Baraquel asked Gonzalez who should make the policies on LGBTs. "[T]he law shall prohibit discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any grounds, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status," Gonzalez said. He pointed out that po...