DUTERTE supporters have criticized Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña’s decision to pursue legal action against a social media artist who mocked his medical condition, arguing that public figures should be able to withstand political satire and online banter.
Social media personality and known Duterte supporter Sir Jack Argota, who has a cleft palate, questioned Cendaña’s move in a post on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Argota said he had also been mocked by political opponents but chose not to file charges, saying public figures should expect criticism and jokes online.
“Ako nga nilait ako ng mga Kakampink eh, umiyak ba ako? Nagkaso ba ako? Kung asaran, asaran lang! OK lang ’yon!” Argota said.
He also questioned what he described as differing standards toward political caricatures, asking why mockery directed at Cendaña is condemned while similar caricatures of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies are often tolerated by their critics.
Argota also made a reference to Senator Erwin Tulfo’s controversial remark, saying: “Sometimes you have to bend the jaw,” apparently a play on Tulfo’s statement, “sometimes you have to bend the law.”
The issue stemmed from a caricature posted by social media artist Richard Art depicting Cendaña with exaggerated facial features, which drew criticism from the lawmaker’s supporters.
Art later issued a public apology, acknowledged a lapse in judgment, deleted the post, and vowed to exercise greater responsibility in his future work.
Akbayan, however, questioned the sincerity of the apology and expressed concern over the incident.
Cendaña, a stroke survivor, later warned that he was preparing legal action against online pages, influencers, and individuals who mock or use his medical condition as material for ridicule.
While acknowledging that public officials should expect legitimate criticism and scrutiny, Cendaña said he would not tolerate discrimination or personal attacks targeting persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The lawmaker argued that the planned legal action was intended to defend not only his dignity but also the rights of PWDs subjected to dehumanizing language online.
Akbayan backed Cendaña, stressing that political satire should be distinguished from discrimination.
The party-list cited Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which penalizes the vilification, ridicule, and discrimination of PWDs.
Meanwhile, former Rep. Kiko Barzaga, a vocal Duterte supporter, offered free legal representation to Richard Art, framing the case as an issue involving citizens’ freedom of speech and expression.
