DFA vows to exert full extent of law on case of envoy accused of maltreating staff

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin Jr. on Wednesday vowed that the maltreatment of a Filipino household helper by a Philippine ambassador will be dealt with to the “fullest extent of the law.”

In a series of tweets, Locsin said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will be “firm in meting out the appropriate sanctions and administrative or criminal charges” on Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro if results of the investigation on the matter would demand as such.

“[T]he DFA’s response on this matter will be severe to the fullest extent of the law especially when it involves a high ranking DFA official setting an example to ensure that matters like these will never be tolerated,” the foreign affairs chief said.

1/1@cnnphilippines @ABSCBNNews @ANCALERTS @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking The recall of Philippine Ambassador to Brazil March Mauro will enable the DFA to conduct an expedient and thorough investigation into the incidents of physical abuse perpetrated by her against her household staff

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 28, 2020

“Under my leadership, the DFA will not tolerate in any way whatsoever actions by any of its ranking officers or staff that go against our primary mandate, which is the promotion and protection of the welfare of all overseas Filipinos,” he added.

On Monday, Locsin recalled Mauro after she was caught on video maltreating her Filipino household staffer.

“The recall of Philippine Ambassador to Brazil March Mauro will enable the DFA to conduct an expedient and thorough investigation into the incidents of physical abuse perpetrated by her against her household staff as shown in the CCTV footage recently aired by a Brazilian news outfit,” Locsin said.

“But first the DFA will get authority from the Office of the President to proceed as a young lawyer reminded us all or it will be an exercise in futility,” he added.

Review of policy

Locsin also said the DFA is reviewing the policy of allowing Filipino diplomats to take with them Filipino house helpers from the Philippines instead of hiring them locally in their foreign posts.

6 Filipino diplomats to take Filipino domestic helpers from the Philippines rather than hiring them locally in their foreign posts. Let me reiterate the Department of Foreign Affairs is giving this matter its utmost attention, true to its core mission of protecting the rights

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 28, 2020

“Let me reiterate the Department of Foreign Affairs is giving this matter its utmost attention, true to its core mission of protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers,” he said.

“All our diplomats are held to an even higher standard by virtue of their profession’s mandate, not least to be the face of our compassionate country, and sworn commitment to public service,” Locsin added.

JPV