Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro returned to the Philippines Monday night (Nov. 2) where she is facing an investigation over videos which showed her maltreating a Filipina household staff of the Philippine Embassy.

(PNA / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Ambassador Mauro arrived last night,” said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. said during an interview on CNN Philippines.
“We thought she would be delayed because of the storm but she was able to get on the flight,” he said.
The secretary said he has yet to talk to the ambassador regarding the videos and does not intend to do so.
“I suggest she reserves her comments to the investigating panel,” Locsin said.
The secretary said he has formed a panel to conduct the investigation and assured Mauro she would be given due process.
“The investigation has started by now. It's with the appropriate body within the DFA,” Locsin said.
Locsin said that the panel has 15 days to conduct the probe starting two days ago when he was given the go signal by Malacañang to conduct the investigation.
“We’ll wait for the recommendation of the investigating panel that I created,” said Locsin who will also forward the report to the Palace after reading it.
Meanwhile, Locsin said the P200,000 check is ready to be given as assistance to the household help who is now under quarantine in South Cotabato after arriving from Brazil.
On the other hand, Locsin said he and the DFA is aware of the exitence of a DFA Career Officers Corps and the Retired Ambassadors Association which have expressed support to Mauro.
“The reported statement of such organization on the case of the former Philippine ambassador to Brazil does not in any way reflect the position of the department nor the sentiment of its career corps,” the secretary stated.
“The department stands by its resolve to respond to the matter in accordance with and to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
The allegations of maltreatment stemmed from news website Globo News which showed to the public closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage where Mauro was seen maltreating and physically attacking her Filipina helper inside the ambassador’s residence in Brasilia.