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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) – The domestic worker involved in the allegations of mistreatment against the Philippine ambassador to Brazil, Marichu Mauro, is back in Cotabato and will reveal all the alleged abuses she suffered by the envoy, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said on Friday, after his team contacted his family. .
“The daughter spoke to us and told us that her mother is in a better mood now. She is happy to be home safe and sound, and is very willing to give a statement to the Department of Foreign Relations and an affidavit to detail and record. all the abuses committed against her by Ambassador Mauro, “Zubiri told CNN Philippines. The fountain.
Brazilian media GloboNews broadcast videos for the first time showing Mauro’s mistreatment of his Filipino service personnel, sparking a global backlash that led to the envoy’s call to Manila. In the videos, Mauro can be seen appearing physically abusing the worker in different instances.
The Senate Majority Leader said the family of the overseas Filipino worker, identified by the DFA as Leonila de Ocampo, approached his office a few days ago to ask for help. Zubiri said she plans to send her staff to De Ocampo’s home in Mindanao, extend help, and then speak with her on the phone.
“She (Mauro) was caught red-handed … It’s horrible, no Filipino should go through this abuse,” Zubiri said, admitting he was horrified when he saw the now-viral compilation of CCTV recordings showing Mauro’s repeated attacks on him. assistant. .
In a series of tweetsForeign Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. said he received a written directive from Malacañang to investigate the alleged abuse, giving the agency 15 days to report its findings to presidential management staff. The DFA, which has initiated administrative procedures, has issued a demonstration of cause order to Mauro.
Locsin said he formed a research team led by Consul General Ezzedin Tago, who is stationed in Sydney, Australia, and the Ambassador to the Netherlands, Jaime Victor Ledda. Other members of the panel are DFA executives Narciso Castañeda and attorney Ihna Alyssa Marie Santos from the agency’s human resources unit.
“If there is a prima facie case, I will issue a formal charge prepared by the OTLA (Office of Treaty and Legal Affairs),” Locsin said. He explained that a presidential approval is needed before the DFA can carry out an investigation on ambassadors like Mauro. It would then trigger the formation of a hearing panel that will present a report to the Foreign Service Management Board.
Locsin said he will make the final recommendation to the president regarding new actions in the Mauro case.
Zubiri pushed for the installation of security cameras in all other embassies, posts abroad and even in the common areas of the official residence of diplomats to avoid a repeat of the incident. He said embassy employees appear to have taken pity on De Ocampo and leaked the video to Brazilian media as a “well-intentioned” gesture to save the worker from further harm.
“It is a black eye for the Department of Foreign Relations, so the fast action by the DFA is very welcome,” added the senator.
He feared that the incident could weaken the country’s credibility to crack down on foreign employers who beat or treat Filipino workers inhumanely.
Suddenly, he said that Mauro can be punished for violating three laws: Republic Law No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees; Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code for inflicting minor physical injuries and mistreatment; and RA 10361 or the Kasambahay Law that protects domestic workers from abuse.
The senator promised to block possible future attempts to send Mauro back abroad as an envoy, adding that he must face “severe punishment” for his actions.
“Being a member of the Appointments Committee, we will make sure this does not go unpunished,” he said, adding that there appears to be no need for a Senate investigation on the matter now, as the DFA has been acting swiftly. on the matter.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday gave the signal for authorities to investigate Mauro, a career diplomat appointed to the post in 2018.
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