Antipolo City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has instructed agency officials to work with the Antipolo City local government to file a criminal case against a group of men who ridiculed a female senior citizen, as depicted in a viral video.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, "We will work with the Antipolo City LGU (local government unit) in filing a case against the group of four men who made fun of the senior citizen who is also a person with disability (PWD). This is a very cruel act and those responsible should be charged in court." The incident took place on March 31 in Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo City, Rizal.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao has been tasked with deploying a team to support the elderly woman involved. Dumlao, who also manages special concerns for the Office of the Secretary, highlighted that those responsible are liable under Republic Act 9442. This act amends RA 7277, known as the 'Magna Carta for Disabled Persons,' and prohibits the verbal or non-verbal ridicule of PWDs.

The legislation under RA 9442 mandates penalties for such offenses, including a fine of no less than PHP50,000 or imprisonment for at least six months for a first offense. Subsequent offenses could result in fines ranging from PHP100,000 to PHP200,000, imprisonment of two to six years, or both, based on the court's discretion.