MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan Partylist Rep. Percy Cendaña warned of possible legal action after an artwork depicting him with a distorted mouth circulated online and drew criticism for mocking his medical condition.
Cendaña said on Thursday, August 20, that attacks against him had become increasingly personal, with some online trolls using his medical condition to humiliate and ridicule him.
“As a stroke survivor, I will not let this kind of disrespect pass,” Cendaña said, adding that he was consulting his lawyers on the appropriate legal action that may be taken against those responsible for publishing or amplifying the material.
He said he would continue to accept legitimate criticism and public scrutiny but would not tolerate attacks that crossed into harassment, humiliation and discrimination.
“The disability is not a joke,” Cendaña said, stressing that a person’s disability should not be used to insult, shame or dehumanize them.
The statement came after local artist Richard Art posted a drawing showing Cendaña with a twisted mouth, which was criticized as an apparent mockery of the lawmaker’s condition.
Richard Art later removed the post and issued an apology to Akbayan, saying he did not intend to hurt or ridicule anyone’s condition.
“I understand that I hurt someone and that it was wrong,” the artist said, adding that the incident would serve as a lesson for him as an artist.
Cendaña said his stand was also for stroke survivors and persons with disabilities who face similarly degrading attacks, warning online pages, influencers and individuals who publish or amplify such material that he would not remain silent.
