World · Philippines Bureau
Philippines welfare agency warns of legal action against PWD mockery
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has cautioned content creators and the general public that mocking persons with disabilities carries legal consequences. The warning comes after podcast hosts faced criticism for derogatory comments about a family member with disabilities.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issued a formal reminder to content creators and social media users that disrespectful remarks targeting persons with disabilities (PWDs) may result in legal action.
The agency's warning, released Wednesday, followed complaints about comments made by hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast regarding Joshua "Josh" Aquino, eldest son of television personality Kris Aquino, who has a disability.
The DSWD emphasized that online harassment and mockery of PWDs violate provisions of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and other relevant Philippine laws protecting the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. Content creators and social media users face potential criminal and civil liability for such conduct.
The reminder underscores growing concerns about cyberbullying and discriminatory behavior directed at vulnerable groups on social media platforms. The DSWD encouraged the public to report incidents of PWD discrimination through official channels.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, warning that violations would be pursued through appropriate legal remedies.