The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned local officials against sexual misconduct.
The warning came in a statement on Tuesday, days after a Manila City council member alleged that she was sexually harassed by a fellow councilor.
‘The DILG reiterates that any act of sexual harassment or misconduct, if proven, is a serious violation of the law and of the ethical standards expected of public officials,’ the department said.
The agency particularly cited the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) and the Safe Spaces Act (RA No. 11314).
The DILG did not name the Manila city councilor alleged to have committed sexual misconduct.
However, at a meeting of the Manila City Council last Thursday, Councilor Eunice Castro accused her colleague, Ryan Ponce, of sexually harassing her, for which he apologized to her during the same session.
‘While the Department is monitoring the situation, it defers to the appropriate authorities and concerned local government units to determine the facts of the case and to initiate the proper course of action,’ the DILG said of Castro’s statements.
For her part, House women and gender equality committee chairperson and Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag called for an investigation into the councilor’s accusations. /apl -Aaryanna Arago, INQUIRER.net intern