The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) issued a strong warning against online content creation that exploits or demeans vulnerable individuals, particularly persons living with psychological or mental health conditions.
In an official statement, the agency raised grave concerns over viral social media posts by vlogger Frankie Bugarin, known online as “Daddy Frankie,” which featured an individual displaying signs of a mental health condition as media content. The NCDA stressed that using such individuals for social media reach directly violates privacy rights and undermines legitimate, ethical mental health care interventions.
Emphasizing the line between public content creation and genuine assistance, the NCDA underscored the urgent need to shield vulnerable populations from exploitation, stigmatization, sexualization, and actions that compromise their personal dignity and well-being. The council noted that while providing care is essential, sensitive health situations must be handled with strict confidentiality rather than monetized or used as public entertainment.
The agency highlighted existing legal frameworks protecting individuals with psychosocial disabilities, including the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act No. 7277, as amended) and the Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036). Under Section 44 of the Mental Health Act, committing prohibited acts against individuals with mental health conditions carries criminal penalties upon final conviction, including imprisonment between six months to two years alongside corresponding fines.
Furthermore, under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), a person’s medical and health status is classified as sensitive personal information. Disclosing such details without explicit, written authorization is illegal, with willful violations subject to severe criminal penalties, fines, or prosecution under the Revised Penal Code.
The NCDA insisted that all public support initiatives, whether offline or in digital spaces, must adhere strictly to these statutory requirements. The agency maintained that mental health interventions demand professional oversight, consent, and absolute confidentiality, asserting that respectful care must always take priority over online views and engagement metrics.
To address the situation, the NCDA confirmed it is actively coordinating with partner government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Health (DOH), National Privacy Commission (NPC) and local government units.
The council advised anyone in need of mental health support or knowing someone seeking care to consult certified professionals and accredited service facilities. For immediate crisis support, the public can reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 or 0917-899-1553.