Officials tagged in ‘sexploitation’ cases may face raps, says Binay

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Labor and foreign service officials tagged in alleged cases of “sexploitation” in Philippine posts overseas may be liable for criminal and administrative offenses, according to Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Binay also on Wednesday assured complainants of total protection by the government.

The ‘sexploitation’ cases alleged to have been perpetrated in at least two Philippine embassies in the Middle East were revealed by Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello. His expose led to the conduct of a formal investigation of the cases by the DFA.

Meanwhile, lawyer and women’s rights advocate Katrina Legarda advised the Department of Foreign Affairs to be sensitive in handling cases and complainants as women who experienced abuse often feel the shame and stigma of being a victim.

During a lecture on “sextortion” before envoys from the Middle East and Africa over the weekened, Legarda also advised DFA on the manner by which complainants should be interviewed, including being clear on options available to them.