The Department of Health on Monday has warned the public it is illegal to disclose HIV- or AIDS-related information about a person without consent.
The DOH made the warning following a false claim made by a lawyer in a radio show that the late former President Benigno Aquino III had HIV.
Lawyer Larry Gadon was heavily criticized on social media for peddling false information, and radio station dwIZ has already apologized to the Aquino family.
The DOH said Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act guarantees the confidentiality and privacy of anyone tested or treated for, exposed to, or has HIV- and AIDS-related illnesses.
“It shall then be unlawful to disclose, without written consent, information that a person has AIDS, has undergone HIV-related test, has HIV infection or HIV-related illnesses, or has been exposed to HIV,” the DOH said.
“We would like to warn and remind everyone that disclosure of confidential information, such as HIV status is illegal and they can be charged in accordance with law. Violators are liable to criminal, administrative, and civil sanctions and penalties,” it added.
Aquino passed away Thursday last week due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.
HIV advocacy group The Red Whistle said it is planning to file a disbarment case against Gadon for spreading disinformation.