QC gov’t suspends ranking exec for alleged sexual harassment

(FILE PHOTO) Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government ordered the suspension of a ranking official over sexual harassment complaint against another employee.

In a complaint letter addressed to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the female employee narrated in detail several acts of verbal and physical sexual harassment against the city official.

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The complaint was sent to the Committee on Decorum and Investigation – Legislative Department (CODI-Legis) and a series of hearings were conducted.

Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, who sits as the disciplining authority for the legislative department, found the official guilty of a “a less grave offense of sexual harassment” as defined under Memorandum Circular No. 12-S2020 and 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.

The official was meted with a penalty of suspension without pay for six months.

“We condemn all these vile acts of harassment against women, especially among our own officials and employees. The Quezon City Government is committed to addressing all sexual harassment cases regardless of gender and position in any department,” Belmonte said in a statement.

“May this case serve as a reminder to our employees that we will not be complacent against any erring employee or official. We encourage all victims of abuse to report to our Gender and Development Office so we can initiate proper administrative and legal action,” she added.

Sotto, meanwhile, said that the city government “will always advocate an office culture that values and uplifts one another.”

“Our work environment should reflect that we are servants of God, and this includes ensuring that all employees will feel safe and protected, by not tolerating any misconduct,” Sotto said.

The city government said another sexual harassment case was filed against another local government employee and is currently being investigated.

READ: QC to establish shelter amid rise in number of abused women, children

JPV

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