We have heard about the 2 fraudulent psyche reports that were bashed at Noynoy and insinuated that the said presidential candidate have mental problems etc. There are also news that even the candidates themselves challenged one another to undergo psychiatric tests to check if they are mentally stable. *facepalm*

And oh, who can forget that BOGUS statement coming from a particular TOMCAT who claimed to be one of Noynoy’s former classmate and have witnessed his droolings during their student days? *facepalm again*

Finally, the Psychological Association of the Philippines released a statement regarding this matter:

“Informed consent is is acquired from the client before conducting psychological tests,” the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) said in a statement released over the weekend.

Similarly, it also condemned the practice of “partisan individuals and media practitioners” who not only have disclosed fraudulent psychological reports but have also “made inaccurate statements about different aspects of the practice of psychology and the nature of psychological functioning.”

These actions, which it deemed “irresponsible”, have “dangerous long-term effects on efforts of Filipino psychologists and other mental health professionals to address the psychological well-being of Filipinos.”

Releasing results of psychological tests or assessments to media or to the public at large also breach its ethics code, the group said, adding that these results are only released to the client.

“Any reputable individual psychologist or psychological organization ensures the practice of confidentiality and that the results of psychological tests or assessment are only shared with the client,” it said. “Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure that information to be disclosed will not be misused, misunderstood or misinterpreted to infringe on human rights, whether intentionally or unintentionally.”

Of which I echoed in my previous post regarding the second fraudulent report – the one that former NAPOCOR president and Nacionalista supporter, Guido Delgado handed out in a press conference. Only to find that the supposedly expose of some sorts backfired on him, Manny Villar and the rest of his campaign.

Even the usage of the word “abnoy”, “sira ang ulo” or “may diperensya sa utak” has been criticized by the PAP:

“The PAP condemns the insinuation that depression is a permanent disability; and the use of words like “abnoy”, ‘sira ang ulo’and “may diperensiya sa utak” to label individuals,” the group said. “These irresponsible statements and similar acts perpetuate a profound lack of understanding of psychological concepts, of the nature of psychological problems and dysfunctions, and of the nature of psychological health and wellbeing.”

Seeing a psychologist or any mental health professional does not make a person “abnormal”, it said, adding it also “means ensuring our mental health and psychological wellbeing.”

There is this particular social stigma when it comes to mental health concerns or an ounce of misunderstanding among the common folk when it comes to these cases. Let us be reminded that in the practice of psychology, extreme confidentiality of the documents are ensured. No one is allowed to sign a particular psyche report if he or she is not a psychologist or psychiatrist. No one is allowed to release a report publicly. The usage of the so-called mental issues against a particular candidate is a way of the black propaganda, hoping to destroy the reputation of that person.

Also, labeling a person as “abnoy”, “siraulo” or “may diperensya sa pagiisip” because of his pecularities or eccentric ways is below the belt. Under no circumstance, let us refrain from labeling people with this words or discriminate them because of their eccentric ways.  Kahit pa maiba ang opinion ng kapwa mo sa iyo, wala ka pa ring karapatan na sabihan ang tao ng salitang abnoy.

People should be campaigning their candidates based on the strength of their candidate’s platforms, his track record or accomplishments etc., not to resort to these immature acts of black propaganda just to gain the votes of the nation.

Photo credits here.

Viewed 7879 times by 2338 viewers

Uy! Ka barrio, kung first timer ka dito sa Barrio Siete o kaya naman ay napasaya ka ng aming mga writers, inaanyayahan ka naming mag subscribe sa RSS Feed namin! Pwede mong gamitin ang Google Reader para dito.

Powered by WP Greet Box WordPress Plugin

silver is the blogger behind Dare to Speak Out, a personal and commentary blog.She graduated with a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She posts blogs that ranges in different topics – from trivial to the political. She currently works as a freelance writer.