Singer Nonoy Zuñiga and Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson (File photos from Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Singer Nonoy Zuñiga has released his own statement regarding the latest controversy to hound entertainer-turned-government official Mocha Uson.
Expressing his sentiments, Zuñiga – a person with disability (PWD) due to the amputation of his leg from a bombing incident during martial law – sent Inquirer a copy of his statement:
“The recent video posted by Mocha Uson and Drew Olivar had already drawn a lot of negative comments and reactions, most especially from the PWD community.
“Being a PWD myself, the use of sign language is never a laughing matter. It is sacred to the hearing-impaired. It is their bridge to the world.
“Using it with signs and gestures (some inappropriate) by someone who doesn’t even have the knowledge of it is simply appalling… What I’m pointing out is the necessity of civility and reverence that we expect from someone who is supposed to serve the public (as an assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office).
“It is apparent that Mocha Uson has not learned responsibility. It is our right to question her worthiness as a public officer and why we are being forced to tolerate her.”
La Salle-CSB statement
On Sept. 17, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) released a statement, in support of the Philippine deaf community, condemning the behavior and actions of Uson and Olivar.
Brother Dennis Magbanua, DLS-CSB president, said: “We call on the government to take action against Mr. Olivar and Asec Uson, and impose appropriate penalties as provided by law.”
Magbanua pointed out that Uson’s actions were “unbecoming of a government official” and contrary to what is provided under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713).
He added: “We urge this government to consider the removal of Asec Uson.” /atm