MANILA, Philippines — Publicly mocking, ridiculing, or humiliating persons with disabilities (PWDs) because of their disability is unlawful and may result in fines and imprisonment, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) warned.
In an advisory posted on Saturday, NCDA reminded the public that the rights of persons with disabilities extend beyond discounts and privileges, citing legal protections against ridicule, humiliation, and discrimination.
The advisory comes amid growing public concern over offensive remarks about persons with disabilities appearing in digital content and broadcast programs, according to the council.
NCDA cited Republic Act 7277, as amended by Republic Act 9442, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, which prohibits verbal and non-verbal ridicule, vilification, and discrimination against PWDs.
Under the law and its implementing rules, public ridicule includes degrading jokes about disability made before two or more persons, oral or written mockery, and offensive imitation in entertainment, broadcast, or public settings.
Vilification covers slanderous or abusive statements and public activities that incite hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule toward persons with disabilities.
"Describing something as 'just a joke' does not exempt it from compliance with the law. It is the impact, intent, and circumstances that determine liability," NCDA stated.
