 While there are no laws pertaining to same-sex marriage or unions, Open Table MCC Church, a local church (Mandaluyong City, Philippines) of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), cites freedom of religion in sanctioning what it calls holy unions.These ceremonies are conducted solely for the purpose of celebrating love and are not legally recognized.The Filipino Ang Ladlad party, whose founders, leaders, and core constituency belong to the LGBT community, was recognized by the government and participated in party elections in 2013.