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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has condemned the joke about adoptees in an episode of ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime.
“The department strongly condemns statements, which are offensive, insensitive, and stimulate social stigma to adoptees by any individual, private or public institution, and organization,” DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo said in a statement on Thursday, June 14.
Orogo was referring to the “ampon ka (you’re adopted)” joke of Girl Trends member Erin Ocampo on the show’s “Purokatatawanan” segment last week.
“The words ‘ampon ka’ is discriminatory and has [a] negative connotation. Even if the statement was delivered in a manner of joke and/or for entertainment purpose, the show and the network have the full responsibility over it,” said Orogo, who also served as vice chair of the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB).
“As the agency that works for the protection and promotion of children’s welfare, we see legal adoption as good and the best last option for children who were neglected, abandoned or without families. While adoptive parents are nurturing their adoptive children, we are preserving the child’s identity and culture, and upholding their rights to a family,” she added.
According to ABS-CBN News, during one segment of the show, Ocampo asked Hashtags member Jimboy Martin, “Paano gumawa ng panget na anak (How do you make an ugly child).”
Martin replied, “Bakit hindi mo ‘tanong sa nanay mo (Why don’t you ask your mom)?”
Ocampo said: “Mali. ‘Tanong mo sa totoo mong magulang kasi ampon ka (Wrong. Ask your real parents because you’re adopted).”
Showtime’s hosts issued a public apology for the incident on June 8.
“Ang buong programa po ay humihingi ng inyong paumanhin, at hindi po namin intensiyon na mawalan ng respeto at gawin katawa-tawa ang kahit na sinong tao (The entire program apologizes, and it wasn’t our intention to disrespect or make fun of anyone),” host Amy Perez said.
Perez added that they will be more careful, responsible, and sensitive with their words in the future.
The DSWD acknowledged Showtime’s apology but added that Orogo “believes that the network has the obligation to assure the public that similar incidents will not happen again in the future.” – Rappler.com
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