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- Senators commented on the viral video of Drew Olivar and Mocha Uson mocking deaf people and sign language.
- They said that it should not be taken as a joke and all public officials should be sensitive about the concerns of different groups of people.
Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and her co-host, Andrew Olivar, recently figured in another controversy and some senators could not hide their disappointment.
Senator Nancy Binay released a press statement saying how the video of Uson and Olivar is disrespectful and not funny.
“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.”
As the sponsor and co-author of the Filipino Sign Language Bill, Binay said that they are hoping to make the Filipinos more educated when it comes to the deaf community so such actions should not be taken lightly.
“Bilang author at co-sponsor ng Filipino Sign Language Bill na naglalayong kilalanin at suportahan ang pagpapatupad ng sign language sa lahat ng transaksyon at sa edukasyon ng deaf community na kaka-pasa lamang ng Senado, nababahala ako sa epekto ng ganitong pangungutiya at panghamak.
“And just so the others also become more aware, making fun of persons with disabilities is in violation of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act (RA) 9442). Again, sign language should never be made an amusement piece.”
On the other hand, Senator Grace Poe stated that public officials should be sensitive to the sentiments of different groups and think twice before doing anything.
“Mas malaki sigurong responsibilidad dahil ikaw ay nasa gobyerno. Lahat tayo ay libreng magbigay ng ating saloobin, may kalayaan tayo d’yan pero kapag ikaw ay naninilbihan sa gobyerno, kailangan ikaw ay maging tamang huwaran at magmula sa iyo ang tamang pakikitungo sa tao.
“Kahit na meron tayong gustong gawin, kung hindi naman karapat dapat at maaaring makasakit sa damdamin ng iba lalong lalo na hindi naman ito isang isyu na kailangan o kaya kung ikaw ay magbibigay ng tapat na statement, maaaring hindi mag-agree ‘yung iba pwede naman pero pagdating sa mga biro biro, syempre isipin muna natin ‘yung ginagawa natin.”
Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV showed his support for the Filipino deaf community. “We hope to build a society where every Filipino is valued and respected.”
He added that the Senate has passed the Senate Bill No. 1455 which seeks to recognize the Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language.
