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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 29) – President Rodrigo Duterte has given the signal to go investigate the Philippine ambassador to Brazil, Marichu Mauro, for allegedly mistreating his Philippine household helper, Senator Bong Go said.
In a statement Thursday, Go said the president approved the investigation in line with the recommendation of Foreign Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr.
Brazilian news outlet Globo News previously published a CCTV video showing Mauro repeatedly hitting the head and pinching the ear of the 51-year-old aide, who can be seen cowering inside Mauro’s diplomatic residence.
“The President has always been steadfast: Protecting and promoting the rights, welfare and well-being of Filipinos abroad is a primary responsibility of our government,” the Go statement read.
It added that the investigation will be carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law, in particular the Foreign Service Law of 1991.
In accordance with article 51 of the Law, “the heads of mission who are commissioned by the President as extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors will not be investigated by the Board or separated from the Service unless there is an express directive in writing from the President”.
Additionally, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Thursday that criminal charges could be brought against Mauro in addition to administrative charges if the results of the investigation prove his guilt.
“The rapid authorization of the DFA to investigate Ambassador Mauro is indicative of the need to do justice to victims of domestic violence that our compatriots”, Roque said.
[Translation: The swift authorization of the investigation of Ambassador Mauro is indicative that justice should be served for the victim of the maltreatment.]During a hearing by the House Committee on Foreign Workers’ Issues, DFA Undersecretary José Eduardo Malaya also said that Locsin ordered the agency to provide counseling, legal and financial assistance to the victim.
Malaya added that they are now in contact with the assistant, identified as Leonila De Ocampo.
CNN Philippines sent an email to the Philippine Embassy in Brazil to request a comment from Mauro, but they told him that he had any statement on the matter.
Mauro has been called “immediately effective to explain,” according to Locsin.
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