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Category: PWD

PWDs slap Duterte with a suit for insensitive joke

PWDs file complaint vs Rodrigo Duterte at the Commission on Human Rights
PWDs file complaint vs Rodrigo Duterte at the Commission on Human Rights
By MARIA FEONA IMPERIAL, VERA Files

PRESIDENTIAL race frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte, already facing a plunder case filed by Sen. Antonio Trillanes, has been slapped with yet another complaint, this time by disabillity groups and advocates.

Disability advocates Ranilo Sorongon and Liza Martinez charged the Davao City mayor before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Friday of violating the law when he ridiculed persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens during a now infamous campaign sortie in the Visayas weeks ago.

“As PWDs advocating for respect of the rights of all PWDs, including older persons with disabilities (and) our inherent dignity, diversity and humanity, we are outraged and vehemently and unequivocably condemn, the disparaging comments of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during his campaign sortie in Kalibo, Aklan,” the complainants said in a statement.

‘Talk to Mayor’

Mayor appropriates parking slot for PWD. Photo from ASTIG.PH
Mayor appropriates parking slot for PWD. Photo from ASTIG.PH

Going the rounds in Facebook is a post by Candy Chan in Astig.Ph about a vehicle by a mayor that was parked in a slot reserved for Persons with Disabilities at Bay 4 of NAIA3. When the security guard called the attention of the man who came out of the driver seat, he insolently replied, “Kausapin mo si Mayor (Talk to the Mayor.)

The incident happened more than two months ago, Dec. 19. We are re-telling the incident because we have not seen any report who was the mayor who violated the law, Republic Act No. 7277 known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, and if he and his driver were made accountable for their misdeed.

As related by ASTIG.PH complete with pictures, a certain HJ was waiting at MIAA Bay 5 when a black Toyota Fortuner with plate number VRB 202 marked Mayor parked right next to the sign that indicated the space was reserved for PWDs.

The graduate

Abel and Petchay
Facebook is full of posting by proud parents in their children’s graduation rites. Double pride for parents with children graduating with honors.

But the award-winning post,for me, was by journalist Isabel de Leon of the Manila Bulletin. Last week, she posted: “Scoured the entire Recto Avenue for a toga for my Petchay who’s graduating this Sunday.

“Found the toga and the cap. At dahil di ako sure kung may award na matatanggap ang apo ko, ibinili ko na rin sya ng gold medal. (And since I’m not sure if my grandchild will get an award, I also bought a gold medal.)”

Who can top that?

Recto Avenue, as we all know, is where you buy what you can’t get in school: fake diplomas, school ring, medals, etc. etc.

Pagbigay kapangyarihan sa may kapansanan

Photos by Mario Ignacio, VERA Files

Maricar Ui with members of her organization teaching reporters sign language
Maraming kahanga-hangang personalidad ang aking nakilala nitong nakaraang dalawang araw sa orientation at training na ginawa ng VERA Files sa pag-uulat tungkol sa mga taong may kapansanan (Reporting on Persons with Disabilities) na ginanap sa Eastwood Richmonde.

Nandiyan si retired Capt. Oscar Taleon, ang presidente at Chief Executive Officer ng Alyansa ng may Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy), na nabulag noong panahon ng martial law (1977) nang napasabak siya sa rally sa underpass sa Quiapo kung saan may nagbuhos ng gasolina na lumiyab. Nasa Intelligence Service siya ng Armed Forces of the Philippines noon.