Blogger apologizes to deaf community over latest controversial video with Mocha
MANILA, Philippines — Blogger Andrew Olivar apologized on Monday for making fun of deaf people on his latest video with Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.
"Binababa ko po sarili ko, nagpapakumbaba. Alam ko mahirap, alam ko mali ako e. Hindi ako magri-reason out. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry po. Patawarin nyo po ako sa pagiging insensitive ko, sa pagiging childish ko," Olivar said in a Facebook post, which generated more than 58,000 views on its first two hours.
"Humihingi po ako ng tawad po sa mga (sic) deaf community," he added.
The video was also shared by Uson on her Facebook account, with a caption, "Sorry po."
Uson and Olivar drew flak for their latest video uploaded last Thursday and which was viewed as highly offensive of the deaf community.
The video starred Olivar and Uson promoting their new radio show. At the start of the video, Uson, who was taking the video, can be heard laughing on the background after Olivar obliged to mimic the sign language at her directions.
"Para kang unggoy diyan," Uson told Olivar in the video after the latter's attempt to do the sign language.
Several quarters, including Sen. Nancy Binay, have criticized Uson and Olivar for the video.
"Hindi nakakatuwa ang huling video ni Asec. Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar. It is disrespectful to the sizable deaf/mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations," Binay said in a statement.
In his apology, Olivar claimed to be an advocate of persons with disabilities and said he "was also hurt" by the video he helped made since he also has friends who are suffering from disabilities.
"Yung sorry siguro nakakapagpagaan ng loob, pero 'di nakakatama ng mali. Nasa sa inyo na po kung ano pong desisyon niyo. Kung tatanggapin niyo po ito," Olivar said.
This was not the first time that Uson and Olivar drew flak for their videos. In August, the duo was slammed for making fun of the federalism campaign, a key initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte to spread economic wealth concentrated in Metro Manila towards the provinces.
The now infamous video has been dubbed as "Pepederalismo," a play of the words involving women's private parts and federalism. It was coined from Olivar's lewd dance in the video, with the lyrics: "Ipepe-dede-ralismo!"
Uson, a former sexy star, was slapped with a "written reminder" regarding ethical standards applicable to public officials. Two weeks ago, Duterte himself said that Uson, who has been his supporter since his presidential campaign, went overboard.
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