MANILA – On Tuesday at least two senators said they were « outraged » upon seeing videos of the Philippine ambassador to Brazil assaulting her Filipino assistant, as they urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to conduct a « full investigation » into the matter
In a statement, Sen Joel Villanueva called the actions of the Philippine envoy to Brazil Marichu Mauro « deplorable » and is contrary to his mandate to ensure « the welfare of their compatriots in a foreign country »
« The abuse and mistreatment of a Filipino domestic worker at the hands of the country’s ambassador to Brazil is deplorable and [it is] unworthy behavior [of a] diplomat who should watch over to the well-being of his compatriots in a foreign country instead of harming ”, said Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Labor Committee
Brazilian news channel Globo News published a report on Sunday showing Mauro repeatedly berating and abusing his aid inside the diplomatic residence, prompting the DFA to recall his mission
Report says victim is 51-year-old Filipina Incidents were captured by security camera and documented by employees who refused to be identified Report says victim « has been physically assaulted multiple times , several days »
« Our embassies should look after the well-being of our employees abroad How can they trust our embassies if our ambassador is involved in the perpetuation of the abuses? We strongly condemn this incident and ask the leaders of DFA to investigate our ambassador to Brazil «
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he was « horrified » by Mauro’s « brazen » acts against his fellow Filipino
« Watching the video, I was horrified to see the courage of our Ambassador to Brazil physically abusing the staff at the Embassy Service. I can’t imagine how people in his place could commit such violence against the very people they have sworn to protect, ”he said, calling the incident a“ black eye on our image abroad. »
In a statement, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said it had not yet been informed by the labor prosecutor’s office of the complaint filed with that body against the Philippine ambassador, « and, in coordination with the other competent Brazilian authorities, will give its full support to the progress of the investigation, in accordance with the Vienna Convention «
Philippines, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teodoro Locsin Jr, Brazil
News from around the world – CA – « Deplorable »: senators outraged by the video of a PH envoy attacking the Pinay maid
