Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian warned anew candidates who exploit the poor and vulnerable sectors for their personal or political gains.
“We will not be issuing a reminder. Instead, this is a threat or a warning to those candidates who aim to exploit the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized for their personal and political gains,” Gatchalian.
“Let’s not even think of doing that because the Commission on Elections and agencies like the DSWD strictly prohibit that. I know the Department of the Interior and Local Government is also watching. Even our President is watching,” he added.
The DSWD chief’s statement follows recent reports of campaign activities where members of vulnerable sectors were subjected to insensitive jokes and used to discredit political rivals.
In his statement, Gatchalian condemned the use of marginalized groups — including solo parents, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities — as campaign props or subjects of jokes during barangay-based caucuses and election sorties.
“The poor, the disabled, the elderly, the vulnerable and marginalized — they are not props for the campaign, they are not the punchline of jokes in the campaign. Let us not go there anymore. This is a threat or warning to those who plan to do that in the future,” he said.
The DSWD chief earlier said the deparment will continue to be a watchdog to protect the poor, marginalized and vulnerable sectors against any forms of abuse and exploitation.
The DSWD will also provide necessary assistance such as financial aid, psychosocial and emotional interventions, and legal assistance to the affected individuals, Gatchalian said.