PWD ‘forced’ to badmouth Vico Sotto in video

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities are seeking to take down a video posted on Facebook showing a 77-year-old mentally unstable woman being “forced” and “instructed” to speak negatively about Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto in exchange for rice.

The victim’s family has sought the post’s removal, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian told GMA7 yesterday.

“We are coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation’s cybercrime division to determine who uploaded the video. We also asked Facebook to take down the post,” he said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide legal assistance if the woman’s family decides to file a complaint against those who uploaded the video, Gatchalian said.

Financial aid and psychosocial services have been provided to the victim, Gatchalian said.

In the video uploaded on a Facebook page called “The Journal Pasig,” the woman was shown testifying against Sotto, who is seeking reelection in the May midterm elections.