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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Disability affairs council urges respect for PWDs in political discourse

Disability affairs council urges respect for PWDs in political discourse

Published Aug 24, 2026 09:55 am

At A Glance

  • NCDA has urged respect for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in political discourse following a caricature of Akbayan Rep. Percival "Perci" Cendeña that mocked his physical appearance and disability.
  • It cited Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, which condemns discrimination, ridicule, and the portrayal of PWDs in an offensive or demeaning manner.
Akbayan Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendeña (Photo courtesy of NCDA)
Akbayan Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendeña (Photo courtesy of NCDA)
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has urged respect for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in political discourse following a caricature of Akbayan Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendeña that mocked his physical appearance and disability.
In a statement, the council said using disability as a means of attacking a person politically is unacceptable and discriminatory.
“Mocking a person’s disability or physical features as a tool of political attack is unacceptable, discriminatory, and has no place in civilized public discourse,” the NCDA said.
It cited Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, which condemns discrimination, ridicule, and the portrayal of PWDs in an offensive or demeaning manner.
The NCDA said such portrayals can reinforce harmful stereotypes and stigma against PWDs, including those who serve in elected office.
It also defended Cendeña’s right to be treated with dignity, saying his disability should not be used to diminish his work as a public official.
“His disability is part of who he is—it is not a flaw, not a mockery, and certainly never a justification for disrespectful treatment,” the council said.
The NCDA said reducing Cendeña to a caricature that mocks his disability also disrespects the office he holds and the people he represents.
“To reduce him to a caricature that mocks his person is to disrespect the office he holds, the mandate he carries, and the millions of Filipinos who stand for an inclusive society,” it said.
The council called for a public discourse where PWDs are treated with the same dignity and respect as everyone else, regardless of their position or political affiliation.
“We stand with Cong. Cendeña, and we stand for a society where all persons are treated with respect—in words, in actions, and in every image we create,” the NCDA said.

Related Tags

AKBAYAN PERCI CENDAÑA NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS (NCDA)
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