Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday confirmed that the Philippines’ ambassador to Brazil has returned to Manila to face an investigation for allegedly maltreating her household helper.
Locsin said that Marichu Mauro arrived late Monday night and she has gone through all health protocols.
“She has gone through all health protocols. She’s back in the country,” Locsin said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
The country’s top diplomat made the statement even as denied a report that a group of diplomats is supporting the recalled envoy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has created a fact-finding panel to investigate the series of alleged physical abuse committed by Mauro against her household staff as shown by videos released by Brazilian media last week.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs nor am I is aware of the existence of a so-called Department of Foreign Affairs career officers corps and the retired ambassadors association. The reported statement of such organizations on the case of the former ambassador to Brazil does not in any way reflect the position of the department nor the sentiment of its career corps,” Locsin said.
Locsin said the DFA “stands by its resolve to respond to the matter in accordance with and to the fullest extent of the law.”
He added that the DFA’s preliminary investigating team is expected to complete its probe in less than two weeks. He will forward the results of the probe to President Rodrigo Duterte.
While the video showing the abuse committed by Mauro against her helper is “incontestable,” Locsin assured that the embattled envoy will be given due process as well as the victim.
“I will get down to the bottom of this,” Locsin vowed.
The DFA Secretary said the President can accept or reject the results of the probe, but “appropriate sanctions” will be imposed against Mauro.
The DFA fact-finding team will be led by Consul General to Sydney Ezzedin Tago, Chief of Mission I Jaime Ledda, Narciso Castañeda BAC, and Atty. Ihna Alyssa Marie Santos, FSO IV, HRMO.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also confirmed that
President Duterte has earlier given the green light to proceed with the investigation of the official concerned as recommended by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
He said the DFA led by Sec. Locsin is expected to have an impartial investigation, relying on facts and not influenced by public statements for or against the former Ambassador.
“On my end, especially as a Senator, I wish to reiterate that the protection of the rights and the promotion of the welfare of ordinary Filipinos are my utmost priority,” said Go.
He said that it is Important to protect the welfare and life our our countrymen here in the Philippines or wherever they are abroad.
“Nobody has the right to abuse or maltreat their fellow Filipino. We will never condone them,” assured Go.
He guaranteed that he would closely watch the investigation on Mauro at ensure that she will be punished if evidence warranted.
Gp also reminded that the job of a public servant — especially an Ambassador, is to protect every Filipino and “you should serve as the right example for our people,” he added.
He said his office is opened to those who want to complain about maltreatement especially house staff or house helpers.
“I already sent help to the family of the victim,” said Go as he reiterated that nobody has the right to physically abused others.
Mauro was earlier recalled and ordered to return to the Philippines to explain the incident immediately and face possible charges.
The Brazilian news outlet GloboNews released video footage where she appeared to be maltreating her household help multiple times on different occasions inside her residence.
Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said the Filipino household helper whom he identified only as “Ms. Ocampo” is “very willing” to submit an affidavit to the DFA to put on record the abuses that have been done on her.
Zubiri said De Ocampo’s daughter reached out to him after he posted on his Facebook a statement condemning Mauro’s actions. He offered legal and financial assistance to Mauro.
“Our office is willing to support her if she wants to. If she needs legal help, because eventually during the investigation of the DFA, the DFA needs to get his testimony from her. So she may have to give a sworn affidavit of the things that have transpired while she was serving under Ambassador Mauro,” Zubiri said.
He expressed hope that if the victim, who is a native of Cotabato City files a case, she won’t agree to a settlement because the ambassador was caught red-handed.
“We’re hoping that they’ll cooperate with the investigation but at the end of the day, as far as I’m concerned, “ said Zubiri.
Zubiri said that the victim has an airtight case against Mauro because of the CCTV footage.