MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Erwin Tulfo is set to file a measure that seeks to penalize individuals who bully or ridicule persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
Tulfo announced the plan on Monday during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, saying he intends to file a bill to strengthen existing protections for these groups.
“Not only to protect PWDs, because we already have the Magna Carta and there are penalties for violations. I will just add to it. We will include senior citizens and Indigenous Peoples,” he said.
He condemned derogatory remarks and stereotypes directed at IPs, including comments about their physical appearance, skin color, educational attainment and place of origin.
Tulfo also lamented the treatment of senior citizens, noting that some are made to feel worthless because of their age.
He said the proposed measure would hold individuals criminally liable for bullying these vulnerable groups through words or actions.
“You will be charged in court and held criminally liable. There could be not only penalties but also imprisonment to protect these three vulnerable groups,” he said.
The senator cited the controversy involving the Machong Chismisan podcast and remarks about Josh Aquino as an example of the discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.
“Disability should never be made a joke or a punchline. A person's disability must never be a source of ridicule, laughter or a reason to diminish their worth and dignity,” Tulfo said.
During the hearing, the committee also resumed deliberations on Senate Bill 1405, 1958 and 2134, which seek to grant lifetime validity to identification cards issued to persons with permanent disabilities.
Tulfo said the committee would determine whether additional legislation was needed to ensure the consistent implementation of lifetime validity for PWD IDs covering permanent disabilities.
The panel also tackled Senate Bills 354, 393, 654, 1390, 2096 and 2386, which propose establishing a Disability Support Fund, disability support allowances or a national disability support allowance program.
Tulfo said the proposals raised important questions about financial assistance, independent living, social protection and equal participation for PWDs.
