Pasig City mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya in a campaign sortie vows to defend the rights of all persons with disabilities (PWDs).
No truth in alleged PWD abuse in Pasig
A RESIDEDNT of Pasig City who participated in the rice distribution activity—where the viral person with disability (PWD) was interviewed—clarified that the woman was neither forced nor abused to discredit Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
Alias “Ronnel,” who was interviewed by an online news site, denied that the 57-year-old woman was used by the camp of mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya to campaign against Sotto.
Ronnel said the woman voluntarily agreed to be interviewed by a male vlogger who approached several people in the queue to get their messages.
“Wala pong nangyaring pilitan. Choice mo naman po yun kung magpapa-interview ka o hindi, kung gusto mo o hindi. Wala pong sapilitan na nangyari,” he said, adding that the viral woman was standing behind him.
He added that he was also among those interviewed, but did not see his video uploaded on any social media platform.
He emphasized that they were not given any script and were not coached on what to say during the interview.
“Wala naman pong pamimilit eh. Ako po, tinanong ako kung pwede akong interview-hin. Marami kaming nandun na tinanong kung pwede kaming interview-hin. Hindi po ako naniniwala na may sapilitan na nangyari. Napakarami po (namin na nandun). May mga senior, may mga totoong PWD, na kasabayan namin. Napakaraming tao. Paano ka mapipilit? Siksikan, tabi-tabi kami,” he also said.
Ronnel said that at the time of the interview, he did not even realize the woman was a PWD because she acted and spoke like a regular individual.
He told the online news site that he and hundreds of other city residents were lining up for the free rice being distributed by “Team Kaya This” when the vlogger approached them.
He added that the vlogger initially asked if they had an SGC ID, which is being distributed by “Team Kaya This” to Pasigueños, allowing them to avail of free health services, including hospitalization.
Ronnel also mentioned that he went to the venue of the rice distribution after hearing about it from his neighbors.
“Wala naman pong nanghihikayat na pumunta ako dun,” he said.
He expressed sadness over the public backlash against Sarah Discaya for her public service, saying that people should instead thank her for helping the poor and marginalized families of Pasig.
He further said he does not believe Discaya or her party is behind any campaign to discredit Sotto, noting that Sarah’s own children are PWDs.
“May anak din si Ate Sarah na PWD. Napakalabong gamitin ni Ate Sarah ang ganung sistema na napakaruming pulitika. Tumutulong siya mula sa puso tapos sasabihin gagamitin niya ang mga taong may kapansanan? Parang napakasakit naman nun para kay Ate Sarah na ikaw na nga ang tumutulong, ikaw pa ang napapasama,” he said.
“Team Kaya This” has already said they are willing to help in the ongoing investigation into the incident, denying allegations that they are behind the supposed propaganda against Sotto.
Ronnel urged fellow Pasigueños not to bash Discaya or others who are helping families in need. He also encouraged local leaders to strengthen programs for PWDs, senior citizens, and the poor.
