The family of the household staff victim of the reported maltreatment by Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro is not letting the incident pass without justice.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed that he has already communicated with the child of the victim who shared that their mother has already returned home “in good spirits, safe and sound.”
“‘Iyon nga lang, nawalan siya ng trabaho dahil sa pangyayaring iyon (However, she lost her job due to the incident),” Zubiri stated. The victim’s child went to him regarding the breadwinner’s case.
He said Mauro can be liable for violating three laws, including RA No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Article 266 of the Revised Penal Code for inflicting slight physical injuries and maltreatment, and RA 10361 or the Kasambahay Law that protects domestic workers from abuse.
“Nakikita niyo, umiiyak na lamang sa kanto mag-isa (You can see the victim crying alone in a corner). That is not just a physically abused person, but that is also a mentally abused person,” Zubiri pointed out.
“Kaya grabe ang maltrato at pang-aabuso niya (The maltreatment and abuse were very severe). This should not go unpunished,” Zubiri added.
President Rodrigo Duterte has already ordered an investigation on the matter and Mauro has been recalled.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has created a fact-finding team that will submit a final recommendation to President Duterte.
“I received Presidential Directive No. 2020-196 directing the DFA to investigate the alleged abusive conduct of the Philippine Ambassador to Brazil confirming his verbal authorization. We have 15 days to report to the Presidential Management Staff,” DFA Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. said.
“I am reaching out to her with financial help right now as an OFW, without any conditions because we are DFA not animals. We help the helpless period, no exchange. Helping is its own exchange,” Locsin added. – Report from Eunice Samonte
