Broadcaster accused of harassment

MANILA, Philippines – Broadcaster Antonio “Tony” Calvento is facing a complaint for sexual harassment and acts of lasciviousness filed by a former employee who accused him of making untoward sexual advances toward her.

In a complaint filed at the Pasig Prosecutor’s Office Monday, the woman, who was of legal age, accused Calvento, host of the public service program “Hustisya Para sa Lahat” on dwIZ, of taking advantage of her while under his employ as a writer and staff member.

The complainant said she started working for Calvento on Jan. 23, the first day they met, during which the broadcaster asked her several questions and then from “out of the blue,” allegedly inquired if she was a conservative person.

She added that Calvento asked if she could pose in a magazine wearing a two-piece swimsuit and even showed her a magazine with pictures of half-naked women.

“I was irritated by his question but I tried to hide my feelings. I told him ‘I can’t do it for the reason that I don’t have the guts.’ Mr. Calvento remarked, ‘Why? You’re pretty,’” she said in an 11-page complaint.

During her week-long training, the woman claimed that Calvento kept asking her more lewd questions until on Feb. 5, he suddenly kissed her in his office.

The complainant said she tried to leave but found the door to the room locked. Calvento then allegedly took pictures of her and at one point grabbed her breast while she was trying to cover it.

The broadcaster later “intimidated” and “commanded” her to take off her pants, but she refused, the alleged victim said.

She said she made up an excuse about having to meet her mother so she could leave. She added that she resigned the next day.- DJ Yap, Philippine Daily Inquirer