Pampanga executive faces sexual harassment raps

AN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines  – Gov. Eddie Panlilio has approved the formal filing of charges against his 50-year-old provincial agriculturist after a special committee found “prima facie evidence” of sexual harassment against him based on the complaints of five women employees.

In a statement the other day, the governor’s office said the committee on decorum and investigation recommended the filing of a sexual harassment case against Dr. Mario Mangiliman in court.

In accordance with civil service rules, Mangiliman was placed under 90-day preventive suspension upon receipt of the formal charges against him last Friday.

Mangiliman could not be reached for comment.

Panlilio declined to reveal details of the sexual harassment complaints against Mangiliman.

“The law mandates strict confidentiality,” he said.

In affidavits filed with the Public Attorney’s Office, the five complainants said Mangiliman allegedly sexually harassed them “physically and verbally” in various occasions.

Panlilio appointed Mangiliman’s assistant, Dr. Crispin Guintu, as acting provincial agriculturist and asked the people under him to ensure the “continuous and smooth implementation of all programs and plans for our farmers and fisherfolk.”

Even before the committee on decorum and investigation began its probe on the sexual harassment charges, Mangiliman had applied for early retirement.

This option, however, now depends on whether he would eventually be cleared of the charges. – Ding Cervantes, Philippine Star