Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and blogger Andrew Olivar apologized over a video making fun of the sign language used by the deaf community.
At the first part of the clip, Olivar was imitating a deaf person making sign language gestures while Uson, who was taking the video, can be heard laughing in the background.
This short clip was shared on Mocha Uson blog on September 14 to promote their new online radio show for DWIZ 882.
Uson was the first to release a statement on September 17, wherein she clarified that it was not a federalism video and that her co-host will issue an apology soon.
“On my part, I will be more active in guiding Drew. I hope this will serve all. Thank you,” Uson said.
Olivar then went live on his official Facebook account shortly after, wherein he admitted that he was “childish” and “insensitive” for making such offensive actions.
“Hindi ako magri-reason out. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry po. Patawarin nyo po ako sa pagiging insensitive ko, sa pagiging childish ko,” he said in an 18-minute long recording.
Later that night, Uson uploaded her own apology, which was barely 30 seconds long, saying that she owns up to her mistake and appeals for public forgiveness.
“I take full responsibility sa ginawa ng aking radio show partner at kaibigan. Kaya po sa ating mga kapatid sa deaf community nawa’y tanggapin niyo ang aking sorry. Please forgive me,” she said.
Deaf groups and advocates retaliate
The University of the Philippines College of Education Student Council was among the first to demand accountability of both public figures.
One advocate, Ma. Anaditha Maico Angcay, who was also deaf, expressedhow deeply hurt she was with the actions of Uson and Olivar.
“Your video has reminded me of people who disrespected me with their offensive gestures…mocking our language by gesturing ugly, f**k, pota ina mo and other sexual innuendos. It has hurt me a lot because I cannot fight back,” Angcay said.
“How would you feel if others say bad words to you? Angry? Hurt? Disrespected? That is how we feel with your video…. we felt disrespected,” she added.
Senator Nancy Binay said that imitating the sign language is both disrespectful and discriminating.
“I wish to remind Asec. Mocha that as a public official, it is paramount that she refrain from mocking the people she serves,” she said.
Binay is the author of the Senate Bill that seeks to adopt the Filipino Sign Language.