The Presidential Communications Operations Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson has been slapped with a mere “written reminder” for violating the code of ethics for government officials with her controversial federalism video.
In an interview, Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy admitted that Uson violated Republic Act No. 6713, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”
“Yes, ethical standards have been breached…Well, if we look at RA [6713], yes,” Badoy said in a television interview.
But at the same time, Badoy defended Uson’s actions.
“I think Asec Mocha reminds us of a lot of hypocrisies in our society and she makes us face them, the things inside ourselves, because we are such a hypocritical society.”
It was Badoy who issued the “written reminder” to Uson on orders of Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
“He asked me to, as head of GAD [Gender And Development] of the PCOO, to give her a written reminder,” said Badoy.
“She has to align with the laws regarding gender and development, all the laws and the rules,” she added.
Badoy was given the instructions during a meeting where they were discussing budget matters. Uson was not present at the time.
Badoy also admitted that other PCOO officials were “shocked” by Uson's video with blogger Drew Olivar, a video taken inside Malacañang grounds.
“As expected, some of us are really shocked by it and we wish that she would have been a bit more circumspect but as the President said, she does have the right to free expression,” said Badoy.
On Tuesday, Philippine Information Agency director-general Harold Clavite, called on Uson to apologize and go on leave. The PIA is also under the office of the PCOO.