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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sandiganbayan convicts gov't official of sexual harassment; orders payment of P10,000 fine

Sandiganbayan convicts gov't official of sexual harassment; orders payment of P10,000 fine

Published Oct 18, 2022 01:50 pm

Sandiganbayan

He regularly sent her flowers, food and messages of endearment. He even followed her on her way home and, in several instances, asked her that they check in at a hotel.

He is her boss at the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). She is his administrative aide.

She had constantly refused all the sexual advances. When she could not bear anymore, she filed against his boss a complaint for sexual harassment.

In a decision, the Sandiganbayan found NCDA Deputy Executive Director Mateo A. Lee Jr. guilty of sexual harassment and was ordered to pay a fine of P10,000.

The Sandiganbayan found Lee guilty of the provision of Republic Act No. 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, for harassing Administrative Aide VI Diane Jane M. Paguirigan.

During trial, Lee admitted sending her flowers and food, visiting her house and church, and that he offered her rides and gave her gifts "to show his appreciation for her good deeds."

"The foregoing constitutes judicial admissions," the Sandiganbayan’s decision stated.

"The Court is mindful that accused Lee is visually impaired and even claims to be suffering from total blindness, although he himself asserts that he has developed a keen sense of direction and familiarity in relation to places he would frequently visit,” the court said.

It pointed out that Lee abused his authority over Paguirigan, since his actions are "out-of-the-ordinary" from the normal superior-subordinate relationship.

"It is worthy to note that nothing in the records shows that accused Lee acted in a similar manner towards his other staff members and/or employees at the NCDA to at least justify his acts towards the private complainant," it said.

Lee said that his acts were done "in the context of friendship," but the court disagreed since Lee would call her at midnight, gave her an "I love you" note in Braille, and even asked her to check in at a hotel.

Second Division Chairperson Oscar C. Herrera Jr. wrote the 24-page decision with the concurrence of Associate Justices Michael Frederick L. Musngi and Arthur O. Malabaguio.

TAGS: #SANDIGANBAYAN #NCDA #SEXUAL HARASSMENT

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