MANILA, Philippines — Inday Panadera Gelyn said she had no intention of maligning any public servant when she shared a viral post about the alleged treatment of an elderly client at the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
In statements posted on her Facebook and TikTok accounts, Gelyn said she took down the post after the concern she raised was addressed by the authorities.
“I had no intention of maligning or damaging the reputation of any public servant. Everything I shared was true and based on what I personally witnessed inside the office,” Gelyn said.
Gelyn previously recounted that she was at the PAO district office when she noticed a female staff member, reportedly wearing a green dress, approaching an elderly man who had submitted a document with several blanks.
According to Gelyn, the staff member appeared to reprimand the man for leaving portions of the document incomplete.
Gelyn said the elderly man explained that he left some portions blank because the hospital was closed. The woman allegedly replied that the hospital was not closing and that there was no hospital there before turning away and rolling her eyes.
The post gained widespread attention and prompted PAO to launch an investigation into the incident. The agency said the concerned personnel would be given an opportunity to explain and that due process would be observed.
In her statement, Gelyn said the incident should remind public servants to treat ordinary citizens with respect and compassion, especially elderly people seeking assistance.
“May this serve as a reminder that we should not have to wait for an incident to go viral before public servants treat ordinary citizens properly, humanely, and with respect,” she said.
Gelyn also thanked those who extended their support and understanding after her post went viral.
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