Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian revealed on Thursday that a “systematic” effort was being made to exploit vulnerable individuals in Pasig City for a suspected smear campaign against Mayor Vico Sotto. The incident involved a mentally-challenged person allegedly coerced into criticizing Sotto over claims of inadequate projects for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In an interview with ANC’s Headstart, Gatchalian confirmed that the individual was forced to make disparaging statements against the mayor’s administration. “We can absolutely tell you that there was coercion, or the victim was coerced to make disparaging statements against her will,” Gatchalian said.
Further investigation revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Gatchalian shared that other vulnerable individuals were also approached with similar requests to produce videos targeting the incumbent mayor. “It’s a systematic storyline, they are pulling out people, profiling and looking for vulnerable, marginalized, and poor individuals to speak out against a particular candidate, in this case, the incumbent mayor,” he added.
DSWD’s findings also pinpointed the location where the video was filmed: a St. Gerrard Construction site, which Gatchalian believes is linked to a candidate in the mayoralty race. The company is owned by the Discaya family, with matriarch Sarah Discaya running against Mayor Sotto in the upcoming elections.
In light of the exploitation, the DSWD intends to hold the operators of the alleged smear campaign accountable under the Special Protection Children Against Abuse Act and the Magna Carta for People with Disabilities. Gatchalian further explained that the case may also qualify as “child abuse” due to the victim’s mental disability, which prevents her from taking full responsibility for herself. He expressed concern for the victim’s mental and emotional well-being, noting that the individual is currently experiencing trauma and ridicule from her community.
While the DSWD is focused on the welfare of the affected individuals and staying neutral on the political aspects of the case, Gatchalian confirmed that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will handle any potential electoral-related legal actions.
