MANILA, Philippines – Netizens trended #disbarGadon after Atty. Larry Gadon made unfounded claims against former President Benigno Aquino III on a radio show.
A netizen uploaded on Twitter a video clip of Gadon while on-air on DWIZ's "Karambola" where they were discussing the death of the former chief executive. Gadon claimed that he allegedly learned from a friend that Aquino had “HIV” or human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that causes AIDS.
"Pero may HIV siya kaya 'di gumaling," Gadon remarked. The female host, Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles asked, "Ha? confirmed?" To which Gadon insisted, "Oo, according to my friend na kilalang- kilala yun."
In a statement released by the Aquino family, the former president passed away on Thursday 6:30 am and the cause of death is renal disease secondary to diabetes.
Gadon's remark sparked an outrage among netizens, Aquino supporters and HIV advocates.
A netizen tagged the official Twitter account of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) regarding the incident.
"Hi @IntegratedBarPH can we please review/Check Atty. Gadon's unethical behavior because it's a clear Violation of RA 11166 regardless of the veracity of the claim. #DisbarGadon."
An HIV advocate also explained how Gadon's words create a stigma against the disease. He tweeted, "#JailGadon #DisbarGadon Years of advocacy works in eradicating HIV stigma and discrimination will go to waste if this Baboon will get off the hook. Time to exercise the law into full extent. #RA11166."
Another call was made to disbar the controversial lawyer for disclosing the HIV status of a person.
Confidentiality
The netizens were citing Section 44, Article 6 of RA 11166 which explicitly stated that a rule on confidentiality should be made against persons with HIV.
“The confidentiality and privacy of any individual who has been tested for HIV, has been exposed to HIV, has HIV infection or HIV- and AIDS-related illnesses, or was treated for HIV-related illnesses shall be guaranteed,” the law reads.
“Unless otherwise provided in Section 45 of this Act, it shall be unlawful to disclose, without written consent, information that a person has AIDS, has undergone HIV-related test, has HIV infection or HIV-related illnesses, or has been exposed to HIV,” it added.
— Sally, The Summit Express
A netizen uploaded on Twitter a video clip of Gadon while on-air on DWIZ's "Karambola" where they were discussing the death of the former chief executive. Gadon claimed that he allegedly learned from a friend that Aquino had “HIV” or human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that causes AIDS.
"Pero may HIV siya kaya 'di gumaling," Gadon remarked. The female host, Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles asked, "Ha? confirmed?" To which Gadon insisted, "Oo, according to my friend na kilalang- kilala yun."
Is someone going to file a case against Gadon for violating RA 11166? This can also be a disbarment case. I hope someone does.
— ricci (@ricci_richy) June 24, 2021
Heard in this vid - Gadon saying that the former President died because of complications attributed to HIV. pic.twitter.com/WiSM71vGl9
In a statement released by the Aquino family, the former president passed away on Thursday 6:30 am and the cause of death is renal disease secondary to diabetes.
Gadon's remark sparked an outrage among netizens, Aquino supporters and HIV advocates.
A netizen tagged the official Twitter account of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) regarding the incident.
"Hi @IntegratedBarPH can we please review/Check Atty. Gadon's unethical behavior because it's a clear Violation of RA 11166 regardless of the veracity of the claim. #DisbarGadon."
An HIV advocate also explained how Gadon's words create a stigma against the disease. He tweeted, "#JailGadon #DisbarGadon Years of advocacy works in eradicating HIV stigma and discrimination will go to waste if this Baboon will get off the hook. Time to exercise the law into full extent. #RA11166."
Another call was made to disbar the controversial lawyer for disclosing the HIV status of a person.
I call on the IBP and the Philippine National AIDS Council to take action against Atty. Larry Gadon for disclosing the HIV status of an individual - whether perceived, actual or suspected - in a televised radio show in violation of RA 11166.
— GemCab (@G_A_Cabreros) June 24, 2021
Confidentiality
The netizens were citing Section 44, Article 6 of RA 11166 which explicitly stated that a rule on confidentiality should be made against persons with HIV.
“The confidentiality and privacy of any individual who has been tested for HIV, has been exposed to HIV, has HIV infection or HIV- and AIDS-related illnesses, or was treated for HIV-related illnesses shall be guaranteed,” the law reads.
“Unless otherwise provided in Section 45 of this Act, it shall be unlawful to disclose, without written consent, information that a person has AIDS, has undergone HIV-related test, has HIV infection or HIV-related illnesses, or has been exposed to HIV,” it added.
— Sally, The Summit Express
