The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has strongly condemned the publication of a caricature depicting Akbayan Representative Percival “Perci” Cendeña, calling the portrayal demeaning, mocking and offensive.
In an official statement, the NCDA denounced the caricature for exploiting and ridiculing the lawmaker’s physical appearance and disability. The agency emphasized that the illustration is not only a personal insult to Cendeña, but an affront to the dignity of all persons with disabilities (PWDs) and a direct violation of the principles of respect, equity and inclusion guaranteed by Philippine laws and the Constitution.
“Mocking a person’s disability or physical features as a tool of political attack is unacceptable, discriminatory and has no place in civilized public discourse,” the NCDA said.
The council cited Republic Act 7277, also known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, which explicitly condemns discrimination, ridicule, and offensive portrayals of PWDs. The agency warned that such depictions perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforce societal stigma, and undermine the ability of PWDs, including elected public officials, to serve with equality and dignity.
Highlighting Cendeña’s record of public service, the NCDA noted that the lawmaker serves the public with distinction, competence and dedication.
“His disability is part of who he is, it is not a flaw, not a mockery, and certainly never a justification for disrespectful treatment,” the council stated. “To reduce him to a caricature that mocks his person is to disrespect the office he holds, the mandate he carries, and the millions of Filipinos who stand for an inclusive society.”
Reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the rights of PWDs, the agency concluded with a call for higher standards in public discourse, “respect is a standard. We stand with Cong. Cendeña and we stand for a society where all persons are treated with respect, in words, in actions, and in every image we create.”