Pasig City: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday ordered an agency fact-finding team to look into the reported malicious exploitation of a mentally challenged person who was put on video and forced to say negative things against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized that such acts could be considered exploitation and abuse of a person with a disability. He asserted that if the allegations are proven true, the Department would spearhead the filing of appropriate charges against those involved.
In a now-viral video uploaded on the Journal Pasig Facebook page, a 57-year-old woman with a psychological disability expressed that she would no longer vote for the incumbent, citing a lack of assistance. The woman’s niece condemned the video, explaining that her aunt visited a candidate in a neighboring barangay for free rice but was coerced into recording the video before she could leave. The incident has reportedly
caused distress to the woman’s daughter since it was made public.
Gatchalian noted that using persons with disabilities for political purposes may violate Republic Act (RA) 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. This law provides measures to protect children and vulnerable adults from various forms of abuse and exploitation, imposing severe penalties on offenders.
Under RA 7610, “children” includes minors and adults who cannot protect themselves due to a physical or mental disability. It mandates national agencies to shield such individuals from abuse, including exploitation and conditions harmful to their development.
Gatchalian reiterated that exploiting marginalized and vulnerable individuals for political gains is unacceptable. He emphasized that people with disabilities face daily hardships and should be protected and aided rather than abused.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also called for a swift investigation and accountability, strongly condemning
the exploitation of persons with mental disabilities for political purposes. He described the use of persons with disabilities in such tactics as a deplorable act of abuse that should not be tolerated in electoral discourse or society.
He urged law enforcement authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, citing potential violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
