PH envoy to UN probed for maid’s abuse

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is conducting an investigation into the alleged abusive behavior of Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lourdes Yparraguirre who was accused of making her 59-year-old domestic helper work for her relatives without pay and kicking her out of the house during winter last year.

DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said the personnel department will look into the accusations of Milagros Braza against Yparraguirre but will also get the side of the envoy.

“We take this matter very seriously,” said Jose at the press briefing yesterday. “We will refer this matter to our appropriate department to look onto this. But at the same time, it is important that we get the side of our own people on this issue. So its  important to get the side of Ambassador Yparraguirre.”

Jose said that if found guilty of abusing her maid, Yparraguirre has to face sanctions based on the laws of the United States since she is assigned in New York.

Braza has sought the assistance of former Labor Undersecretary Susan Ople, who heads the migrant workers’ assistance group Blas F. Ople Policy Center, after no action has been taken on the complaint she filed with the DFA in April.

Braza told Ople that on Christmas eve last year, she requested the envoy to find her a cheap hotel to stay for the night because she was tired and had to be ready to work as seven new visitors will arrive the next day.

Instead of granting her request, Yparraguirre allegedly got mad at her and asked her to leave the house, threatening to call the police. Braza said she called a friend who fetched her and provided temporary shelter. TVJ