DSWD: Smear campaign targets Pasig mayor using vulnerable individuals

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian revealed Thursday that vulnerable individuals in Pasig City were systematically identified and exploited for a suspected smear campaign targeting Mayor Vico Sotto.

Gatchalian disclosed on ANC's Headstart that the case involves a mentally-challenged person allegedly forced to criticize Sotto over his lack of projects for persons with disabilities (PWDs), prompting Sotto to condemn the apparent smear campaign in a Facebook post.

The DSWD has received reports of other vulnerable individuals being approached to make similar videos, indicating a systematic effort to target marginalized and poor individuals, as confirmed by Gatchalian's statement that there was coercion involved.

St. Gerard Construction, believed to be linked to Sotto's opponent Sarah Discaya, is the site where these videos were taken during charity events organized by vloggers associated with her campaign.

The DSWD plans to hold those responsible accountable for violations of the Special Protection of Children against Abuse Act and the Magna Carta for People with Disability, as the case may qualify as child abuse due to the victim's mental disability.

Gatchalian emphasized that the victim is distressed and anxious following her involvement in the smear campaign, while Sotto warned that those involved will eventually face accountability.