CHR condemns false claim on supposed HIV status of PNoy

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday condemned a lawyer’s false claim that former President Benigno Aquino III died of HIV, stressing that Philippine laws guarantee confidentiality and non-discrimination of persons living with HIV or AIDS.

In a guest hosting stint on radio station dwIZ, lawyer Larry Gadon wrongly claimed that Aquino was unable to recover from HIV. The Aquino family said the former president died of renal disease secondary to diabetes. 

“The Commission calls on everyone to respect the privacy and confidentiality of any person’s actual or perceived HIV status, more so, if the same has no factual basis,” CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

The CHR underscored that Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act makes it unlawful to disclose, without written consent, information that a person has AIDS, has been tested for or exposed to HIV, or has HIV or related illnesses.

The law also makes it illegal for the media to “disclose the name, picture, or any information that would reasonably identify persons living with HIV and AIDS, or any confidential HIV and AIDS information, without the prior written consent.”

Radio station dwIZ has issued an apology for Gadon’s “inappropriate statements.” 

“We trust that necessary actions are also being undertaken to avoid similar incidents from happening. At the same time, we hope personalities with the influence and platform can use their voices instead to #EndTheStigma on HIV and AIDS,” CHR said.

HIV advocacy group The Red Whistle earlier said it was mulling a disbarment suit against Gadon for his claim. 

The Department of Health has also reminded the public that it is illegal to disclose another person’s HIV status without consent. —LDF, GMA News