Pia Wurtzbach hits PDEA for releasing sensitive info on drug suspect: ‘Living with HIV is not a punishment’

By: Katrina Hallare - 7 years ago

Image: Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Known for her advocacy on awareness about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach did not hold back from defending those who are living with the dreaded disease, while also speaking for the LGBT community.

This was after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) released the mugshots and sensitive information of eleven men arrested in a drug bust operation, in an upscale hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Sunday. In a news conference, PDEA announced that one of the suspects is HIV-positive.

READ: PDEA raid catches 11 in drug-fueled sex orgy

The release of information stirred controversy in social media, particularly about confidentiality issues and the stigma on AIDS patients.

“Was this really necessary? I understand that what the men were supposedly doing was illegal and they should face legal consequences. But there was absolutely no need to expose and publicly shame them,” the beauty queen wrote about the agency through an Instagram post on Wednesday.

“What has been done has not only traumatized the men that were involved; it has also worsened the HIV situation in the Philippines,” Wurtzbach explained.

“Because of what PDEA and the news outlet have done, some people are now associating drugs and immorality with being gay. It’s ridiculous,” the beauty queen added. She also cited Republic Act 8504 which protects the confidentiality of one’s HIV status.

Universe, listen to this. A few days ago a drug bust happened in a high scale hotel in Manila Philippines involving 11 supposedly gay men. Two of them were suspected of selling/distributing drugs. During the operation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) found out that one of of them was HIV positive. PDEA and a local news outlet decided to expose the identities of these men to the media. Their mugshots, names, and the HIV status of one of them were released. Was this really necessary? I understand that what the men were supposedly doing was illegal and they should face legal consequences. But there was absolutely no need to expose and publicly shame them. It’s illegal to publicly announce one’s HIV status (RA8504). What has been done has not only traumatized the men that were involved; it has also worsened the HIV situation in the Philippines. We’re working so hard in educating the people properly on HIV/AIDS, on taking away the stigma. Because of what PDEA and the news outlet have done, some people are now associating drugs and immorality with being gay. It’s ridiculous. The whole point of this drug raid was to arrest the men for their supposed crime, which was selling/distributing and using illegal narcotics. Being gay is not a crime! Living with HIV is not a punishment! Come on, Philippines. We are already taking small steps forward to improve acceptance, tolerance and understanding. We cannot take big steps back. To PDEA and the news outlet, take steps to mend the situation. Sa aking mga kababayan, wag po tayo maging judgmental. Hindi immoral ang maging bakla, hindi dapat ituring na kaparusahan ang HIV. At lalong hindi ito biro na dapat pag-pyestahan at pagtawanan. To my beloved LGBT community, stay strong. We’ll win this.

A post shared by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on Nov 28, 2017 at 5:31pm PST

Wurtzbach further said that the country has “already taken small steps forward to improve acceptance, tolerance and understanding” of the LGBT community and those afflicted with the disease. “We cannot take big steps back,” she said.

“Being gay is not a crime! Living with HIV is not a punishment!” Wurtzbach declared. She then asked her fellow citizens to not be judgmental on people who identify themselves as gay, or living with the disease.

In closing, and to comfort the LGBT community, she said, “We’ll win this.” JB