𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟 𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗦 | 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 ‘𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗴’ 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 | 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟬𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) issues this firm call to all political candidates, parties, and campaign teams: stop using persons with disabilities as props, tools, or emotional triggers for political gain. We have witnessed far too many political campaigns—past and present—where persons with disabilities are included in photos, videos, or public events not for genuine inclusion, bust as instruments of pity, to dramatize hardship, or to gain public sympathy. This practice is not only insensitive—it is exploitative, unethical, and contrary to both national laws and international human rights standards.

Persons with disabilities are not campaign decorations. They are not stories to be featured simply to provoke emotion or to serve campaign narratives. They are individuals with names, lives, talents, families, dreams, and rights. They deserve genuine respect—not to be used as part of a public relations strategy.

The Philippines, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), has a clear obligation to promote and protect the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities. Article 1 of the UNCRPD affirms this commitment by stating that the Convention exists to ensure the dignity and rights of all persons with disabilities. In our domestic law, Republic Act No. 9442, which amends the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), strictly prohibits any form of discrimination, exploitation, or misrepresentation of persons with disabilities, including in political and media settings. Any use of a person’s disability for visual manipulation, emotional appeal, or campaign tactics may result in legal, ethical, or administrative consequences.

If you are aspiring for public office, you are expected to lead by example. You are expected to protect the dignity of every Filipino, especially those who are often excluded and marginalized. Do not use persons with disabilities to promote your candidacy. Do not use their image or story unless there is informed consent and the engagement is respectful and grounded in authentic partnership. Do not stage situations for the camera, nor reduce the real struggles and victories of persons with disabilities into political props. Instead, engage with legitimate organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), support programs that advance their access and empowerment, include them as active participants in your platforms, and represent them truthfully—not as victims, but as equal members of our democracy.

To our fellow Filipinos with disabilities: now is the time to stand firm and protect your dignity. Do not let yourselves be used by campaigns that do not recognize your worth or rights. Raise your voice, participate in civic life, and let the nation see your leadership, your strength, and your rightful place in society. To the public, we urge you to remain vigilant. Be discerning of campaign narratives. If you see persons with disabilities being used in ways that are exploitative, tokenistic, or insincere, speak out. Demand more than feel-good stories—demand real inclusion, genuine consultation, and policies that create lasting impact.

This issue goes beyond campaign strategy. It reflects our national character and the way we treat or most vulnerable citizens. When we allow the use of persons with disabilities as campaign tools, we enable the continuation of discrimination and inequality. Let us instead foster a political culture where every person, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and valued equally.

The NCDA stands united with all Filipinos in defending the dignity, rights, and voice of persons with disabilities. Together, let us build a political environment that is humane, inclusive, respectful, and just.

National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)

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