Palace distances from new Mocha Uson, Drew Olivar controversy

Updated (6:07 p.m.)

Malacañang refused to comment on Monday on the new controversy hounding Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and pro-Duterte blogger Drew Olivar.

This after Uson and Olivar figured again in a now viral video supposedly making fun of sign language.

Uson posted a video on Facebook promoting their DWIZ noontime radio show. At the start of the clip, she asked Olivar, “Mag-language sign ka (Do sign language).” Olivar obliged, then proceeded to make fun of it.

Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he would “leave that to PCOO (Presidential Communications Operations Office) Secretary Martin Andanar.”

Andanar vowed to look into the matter.

“I will discuss this with the team,” he told reporters in a text message.

Meanwhile, Uson assured that Olivar will apologize on the issue and insisted that the post is not a federalism video.

“But I want to clarify as some are saying that this is a federalism video. It is not a federalism video. On my part, I will be more active in guiding Drew. I hope this will serve all. Thank you,” Uson said in a Facebook post.

Last month, the dancer-turned-public official and Olivar figured in a highly-criticized “lewd” video.

READ: ‘I-pepe-dede-ralismo’ video sparks outrage

Calls for Uson’s resignation piled up after the video featuring the “pepedederalismo” jingle went viral on social media.

The controversial  video also prompted PCOO to issue a memorandum to Uson, reminding her of the agency’s “role in creating a positive impact towards gender issues and portrayal of women in the media since we play a crucial role in raising public awareness and shape public opinion.”

READ: LOOK: PCOO issues memo to Mocha over ‘pepederalismo’ fiasco

President Rodrigo Duterte said during a speech before the Filipino community in Israel early this month that Uson had “excesses” in some of her actions but insisted it was part of her freedom of speech.

Aside from the federalism jingle controversy, Uson also faces criticisms for allegedly spreading fake news.

Uson supported Duterte during the May 2016 elections and was appointed assistant secretary in May 2017. /ee