Tarlac City Mayor Susan A. Yap strongly denounced the act of dragging a person’s illness and suffering into public discourse, calling it unacceptable and contrary to the values of empathy, respect, and basic human decency.

In an official statement, Mayor Yap said using someone’s pain as a subject of attack, speculation, or public spectacle strips away human dignity and has no place in a society that values compassion.

“Public service demands focus, humility, and respect. Politicking has no place in good governance,” the mayor said, stressing that leaders must remain focused on delivering results, addressing real needs, and improving the lives of the people rather than engaging in manufactured drama or distractions.

Mayor Yap emphasized that while disagreement is a natural part of democracy, it should never cross the line into cruelty. She noted that issues can be debated without demeaning individuals and that differing views can be expressed without causing harm.

“As City Mayor, I will always stand for respectful governance grounded in empathy and guided by our shared responsibility to serve,” she said.

She concluded by reaffirming her administration’s priorities, choosing “work over spectacle, service over noise, and humanity over hostility,” underscoring her commitment to principled leadership and dignified public discourse.