DSWD warns of legal consequences for shaming, ridiculing PWDs

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a warning against individuals making derogatory and discriminatory remarks about persons with disabilities, as it calls on content creators always to be respectful of persons with mental health conditions and those undergoing psychosocial crisis.

“Every individual with a disability, including those on the autism spectrum or with neurodevelopmental conditions, deserves dignity, respect, privacy, and the utmost care. Exploiting a person’s disability for amusement, ridicule, or online engagement is unacceptable, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and drives discrimination against a vulnerable group,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a social media post Thursday.

The DSWD spokesperson stated this in reaction to the disturbing episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast, which made fun of persons with disabilities, specifically those on the Autism spectrum.

“We urge all content creators to exercise responsibility in discussing topics that make fun and violate the rights of vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities, whether it is apparent or non-apparent. We need to protect their dignity not only as an act of compassion but also as part of upholding their human rights,” Dumlao said.

Under Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, any act that shames, ridicules, or vilifies persons with disabilities, whether in public or online spaces, is punishable by law.

The podcast content has already been taken down, and the hosts have already issued a public apology.

The DSWD reiterated its call for all content creators to avoid using persons with disabilities as a topic for discussion, including persons in psychosocial crisis and those who are in their most vulnerable moment.

“Content creators, like their counterparts in mainstream media, bear the responsibility of fostering respectful and inclusive digital spaces, ensuring that all content always observes sensitivity and mindfulness of the rights of vulnerable individuals,” Dumlao said. (PNA)