Senator Nancy Binay slammed Presidential Communications Undersecretary Mocha Uson for her latest stunt with Drew Olivar imitating hearing-impaired people.
In a video posted by the undersecretary last week, Olivar can be seen doing sign language improperly and mimicking sounds imitating the deaf and the mute.
“Hindi nakakatuwa ang huling video ni Asec. Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar.
It is disrespectful to the sizeable deaf/mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations,” said Binay in a statement.
Under Section 7 of the Republic Act No. 9442, Magna Carta for for Persons with Disability, “imitating a person with disability in public gatherings, stage shows, carnivals, television shows, broadcast media and other forms of entertainments that are offensive to the rights and dignity of persons with disability” is prohibited.
It can also be read in the law that “no individual, group or community shall execute any of these acts of ridicule against persons with disability in any time and place which could intimidate or result in loss of self-esteem of the latter.”
Binay also recently authored Filipino Sign Language Bill that aims to recognize and support sign language in all transactions and education of deaf community.
The senator stressed that Uson’s act of discrimination is bothersome.
“Nababahala ako sa epekto ng ganitong pangngutiya at panghamak,” said Binay.
She added that what Uson did “sets back our efforts to make our society more inclusive by providing a more conducive environment for deaf Filipinos to exercise their right to expression without prejudice.”
If a complaint is filed against Uson and Olivar, they may be jailed for six months to two years and pay a fine of P50,000 to P100,000.
Watch the video below:
