By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) called on candidates to stick to finding ways to better serve the marginalized sector, including solo parents, instead of making a joke out of them.
At a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that public servants have a responsibility to set a respectful tone, especially when addressing marginalized groups, such as solo parents.
“This isn’t about who can deliver the best punchline. It’s about who can deliver the best solutions,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.
He was reacting to the viral video of Pasig City congressional bet Christian Sia making a lewd joke about single mothers during a campaign sortie weeks ahead of Election Day.
The candidate eventually issued a public apology on Friday.
Acknowledging that Sia has apologized, Gatchalian said he would no longer comment further.
“In this particular case, he has apologized. We leave it at that. Perfect timing since Election Day is coming, so let the voters of Pasig decide if that apology is enough,” he said.
In a video circulating online and which has reached millions of views, Sia was seen making sexually charged remarks, saying single mothers who are still menstruating and are lonely could have sex with him.
He later apologized and explained that he often uses jokes to get the audience’s attention when he discusses his platforms.
Gatchalian assured that the DSWD will continue to be a watchdog to protect the poor, marginalized and vulnerable sectors against abuse and exploitation.
“Protecting the marginalized is not just a responsibility but a sacred duty that the agency takes seriously. We will take the initiative of filing cases against those who abuse, exploit and physically harm members of the vulnerable sectors,” he said.
He said the DSWD is ready to provide financial assistance and psychosocial and emotional support to those who suffered from any form of abuse.
He urged members of society to be sympathetic to fellow human beings.
“Let us not resort to making fun of other people’s lives, especially the poor and the vulnerable. It’s hard to be a solo parent or a person with disability,” Gatchalian said. (PNA)
