A resident of Pasig City who was among those who participated in the rice distribution activity where the viral person with disability (PWD) was interviewed has said that the woman was neither forced nor abused to discredit Pasig city mayor Vico Sotto.
Alias “Ronnel,” who was interviewed by a online news denied that the 57-year-old woman was used by the camp of mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya to campaign against her viral.
Ronnel said the woman voluntarily agreed to be interviewed by a male vlogger who approached several of those who were in the queue to get their messages.
“Wala pong nangyaring pilitan. Choice mo naman po yun kung magpapa-interview ka o hindi, kung gusto mo o hindi. Wala pong sapilitan na nangyari,” he said, adding that the viral woman was standing behind him.
He said that he was also among those who were interviewed but he did not see the video of his interview uploaded in any social media platform.
He said they were not given any script and they were not coached by anyone to say what they did in the interview.
“Wala naman pong pamimilit eh. Ako po, tinanong ako kung pwede akong interview-hin. Marami kaming nandun na tinanong kung pwede kaming interview-hin. Hindi po ako naniniwala na may sapilitan na nangyari. Napakarami po (namin na nandun). May mga senior, may mga totoong PWD, na kasabayan namin. Napakaraming tao. Paano ka mapipilit? Siksikan, tabi tabi kami,” he also said.
Ronnel said at the time that the interview was conducted, he did not think that the woman was a PWD because she acted and talked like a regular individual.
He told the online news that he and hundreds of other city residents were lining up for the free rice that was being distributed by the “Team Kaya This” when they were approached by the vlogger.
He said the vlogger initially asked if they have an SGC ID, which is being distributed by the “Team Kaya This” to Pasigueños which they can use for, among other, avail free health services, including hospitalization.
Ronnel also said he went to the venue of the rice distribution after hearing about it from his neighbors. “Wala naman pong nanghihikayat na pumunta ako dun,” he said.
Ronnel said he was sad that people were bashing Sarah Discaya for her public service, when they should instead be thanking her for helping the poor and marginalized families of Pasig.
He also said he does not believe that Discaya and her party is behind the campaign to discredit Sotto, saying that the children of Sarah are PWDs themselves.
“May anak din si Ate Sarah na PWD. Napakalabong gamitin ni Ate Sarah ang ganung sistema na napakaruming pulitika. Tumutulong siya mula sa puso tapos sasabihin gagamitin niya ang mga taong may kapansanan? Parang napakasakit naman nun para kay Ate Sarah na ikaw na nga ang tumutulong, ikaw pa ang napapasama,” he said.
The “Team Kaya This” has already said that they are to help in the ongoing investigation into the incident as they denied the allegations that they are behind the alleged propaganda against Sotto.
Ronnel urged his fellow Pasigueños not to bash Discaya or other people who are helping families who need help as he also urged local leaders to strengthen the city’s programs on PWDs, senior citizens and the poor.
