Geraldine Roman to be Philippines' first transgender politician

Geraldine Roman, who has been living as a woman for more than two decades, is set to win the congressional seat in Bataan previously held by her mother, Herminia Roman.

With 97.2 per cent of national election returns processed, Ms Roman had secured a win with 23,814 votes over her opponent's 10,325.

"That somebody of my condition is going to enter Congress for the first time is a statement that even transgender people can serve our country and should not be discriminated against," Ms Roman told AFP during her campaign.

"I grew up here. People know me. [Gender] only becomes an issue when you try to keep it a secret. It's nothing bad. I never hurt anyone in the process. I'm so happy so why should I be ashamed?"

The 49-year-old comes from the politically powerful Roman family, who are popular among low-income earners in the area.

Ms Roman's mother had planned to run for vice governorship before supporting her daughter's campaign, telling local press her decision was because of the Catholic Church's "unsupportive stance on transgender sexuality".

The Philippines is ranked as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Asia, however the community remains a minority and often faces discrimination.

Mr Roman's planned policies include providing modern equipment for public hospitals, expanding the province's road network, and backing an anti-discrimination bill that would give the LGBT community improved rights.