The Quezon City government has suspended a high-ranking official for sexual harassment against another employee.
During the celebration of Women’s Month in March, Mayor Joy Belmonte declared a zero-tolerance policy for violence, abuse, and sexual harassment at the city hall in respect of all the women workers of the city government.
“We condemn all these vile acts of harassment against women, especially among our officials and employees. The Quezon City government is committed to addressing all sexual harassment cases regardless of gender and position in any department,” she said.
In the complaint letter, the female employee detailed several acts of verbal and physical sexual harassment against the high-ranking official.
The complaint was then forwarded to the Legislative Department’s Committee on Decorum and Investigation for corresponding investigation and recommendation.
After a series of hearings, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto as the disciplining authority for the legislative department found the official guilty of a less grave offense of sexual harassment defined under Memorandum Circular No. 12-S2020 and 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service with a penalty of suspension without pay for six months.
Belmonte encouraged city government employees to report any act of harassment and abuse to break the culture of silence brought about by the fear of losing their jobs or the chance of being promoted, especially if perpetrators are superiors.
“May this case serve as a reminder to our employees that we will not be complacent against any erring employee or official. We encourage all victims of abuse to report to our Gender and Development Office so we can initiate proper administrative and legal action,” she added.
She recently signed Executive Order No. 12 of 2022 appointing female department heads as chairpersons and members of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation for the Executive Department.