Actress Matet de Leon admitted that she sometimes felt shame when people were looking at her while lining up on the PWD lane.
In a Facebook post, Matet shared her mental health condition, saying that she had bipolar disorder, which made her eligible for persons with disabilities (PWDs) benefits.
However, despite her right to use the PWD lane in establishments, Matet shared that some people were skeptical of her usage of her privileges.
According to her, unlike other PWDs, Matet said that her appearance was normal, so she understood why some people were doubtful of her.
“I have bipolar disorder. I’m a pwd. Hindi halata? Kaya pala pinag titinginan ako kanina sa isang supermarket. Kinalabit pa ako ng isang babaeng yayamanin at pinapalipat ng lane. Hiyang hiya ako. Pati sa sarili ko,” said Matet.
“Ang hirap ng kalagayan naming may mental health issues na hindi nakikita ng iba.. Sanay sila na ang may mental illness, nagtutulo ng laway o nagsasalita mag isa. Sana sa lahat ng makakabasa nito, mag ingat. Guys, hindi madali ang malagay sa sitwasyon namin. Sana din huwag nang paabutin sa kailangan na naming isabit id namin sa leeg,” she added.
Despite being a PWD, she also asked the public to still respect the elders and let them be first on the line.
“Sa mga kagaya ko, na kaya naman magtiis ng sandali, paunahin ang matatanda at yung talagang makikita ninyong hirap nang pumila. Yun lang,” she stated.
Aside from being allowed to use the PWD lane, Matet was also rightful to receive a 20% discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption.