The Department of Justice (DOJ) has cleared the filing of human trafficking charges against Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, who was accused by two boys—both beneficiaries of the NGO—of sexual exploitation.
In a joint resolution, the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service approved the filing of two counts of violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, before the courts.
The complainants, who filed their affidavits in November, alleged that Meloto sexually harassed them, committed acts of lasciviousness, and engaged in trafficking. Prosecutors said the alleged harassment and lascivious acts fall under sexual exploitation, which constitutes sex trafficking.
The boys claimed Meloto groped Gawad Kalinga scholars known as “Spartans,” introduced “cooling gels” applied to their private parts, and in one instance, masturbated a victim.
Meloto denied the accusations, dismissing them as harassment intended to discredit him. He pointed out that one complainant even traveled with him abroad and attended public events, which he argued was inconsistent with victimization.
Despite his denial, the DOJ said Meloto admitted to setting up the scholarship program for the boys but rejected claims that he abused his authority over them.
The resolution was signed by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas and approved by Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon.. UK Minister of State for Defense Lord Vernon Coaker meets with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday to convey Britain’s interest in pursuing a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines.
