MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has come under fire from health and medical advocacy groups following comments he made about a fellow lawmaker, a stroke survivor, on social media.
His remarks, which were directed at the lawmaker’s facial appearance, have sparked criticism for being insensitive and disrespectful towards individuals living with health conditions.
In his social media post, Dela Rosa made a comment in Bisaya, describing the lawmaker’s face as resembling one that had been “punched,” suggesting it appeared skewed.
While the senator intended the remark as a joke, it has been widely condemned by health advocates, particularly those working with stroke survivors and people facing similar medical challenges.
Health and medical groups have voiced their disapproval, stressing that such comments perpetuate harmful stigma and negative stereotypes about individuals with health conditions like strokes.
Advocates argue that mocking someone’s physical appearance, especially as a result of a medical condition, undermines the dignity of those individuals and reinforces a culture of insensitivity and discrimination.
As of now, Senator Dela Rosa has not issued an apology or public statement regarding the criticism.