MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday called a video of Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and her blogger friend using sign language as a joke “utterly appalling and unacceptable.”In a statement, the CHR said it is inappropriate for Uson and blogger Drew Olivar to make fun of the sign language used by individuals with hearing and speech impairments. In a now-deleted video posted on Uson’s Facebook page, Olivar did a supposedly comical version of sign language. It needs to be underscored that public officials must adhere to the highest standards of conduct especially when it comes to the vulnerable sectors of society,” CHR said. Republic Act 9442 prohibits ridicule, both verbal and non-verbal, against PWDs, which can intimidate them or make them lose their self esteem. Uson and Olivar have issued online apologies over the video.

Source: Philippine Star September 19, 2018 08:26 UTC