Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has ordered the immediate deployment of a fact-finding team to Pasig City following a viral video allegedly showing mentally challenged individuals being used in political campaign ads on social media.
Secretary Gatchalian strongly condemned the reported exploitation, emphasizing that the use of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sectors for political ads and campaign purposes is unacceptable.
He pointed out that such malicious actions are a violation of Republic Act No. 7610, or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”
Gatchalian reminded all candidates in the upcoming elections that they have no right to use people’s vulnerabilities for political gain or as subjects of ridicule.
He stated that elections should not serve as a platform to mock the lives of others but should be an opportunity for candidates to present what they can genuinely offer to the people they aim to serve.
The DSWD chief previously warned that incidents like this will reflect in the election results, as voters will recognize the misuse and belittling of individuals from vulnerable communities.
He added that this should serve as a stern warning to other political hopefuls that the suffering of persons with disabilities, women, and marginalized groups should never be used as material for political speeches or advertisements.
Should it be proven that a candidate violated laws by using such content, Gatchalian said the person will face appropriate penalties under RA 7610, as the act will be deemed a form of abuse.