Nababahala ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) hinggil sa mga kumakalat na ulat patungkol sa mga lokal na opisyal ng Maynila na umano’y sangkot sa isang “misconduct incident.”

Ibinahagi ng DILG sa kanilang Facebook post nitong Martes, Oktubre 21, ang kanilang pahayag ukol dito.

“The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) notes with concern the reports circulating online regarding an alleged incident involving local officials of the City of Manila,” panimula ng ahensya.

“As the agency with oversight over local governments, lead implementer, and Chair of the Inter-agency Oversight Committee on the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313) at the national level, the DILG reiterates that any act of sexual harassment or misconduct, if proven, is a serious violation of the law and of the ethical standards expected of public officials,” saad ng DILG.

“While the Department is monitoring the situation, it defers to the appropriate authorities and concerned local government units to determine the facts of the case and to initiate the proper course of action,” dagdag pa nila.

Pinaalalahanan din ng ahensya ang lahat ng serbisyo-publiko na nasasaad sa batas ang pagiging marespeto at propesyonal sa larangan ng public duty.

“The DILG reminds all public servants that respect, professionalism, and gender sensitivity are fundamental to the performance of public duty, as mandated by law and guided by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713),” anang DILG.

Korte Suprema nagpawalang-bisa ng kasal dahil sa ‘controlling,’ ‘demanding’ na misis

“The Department remains steadfast in promoting integrity, accountability, and the protection of every person’s dignity in the workplace. Public office is a position of trust that must always be exercised with respect, fairness, and responsibility,” pagtatapos nito.

Matatandaang kamakailan lamang ay sinuspinde sa loob ng 60 araw ang konsehal ng Maynila na si Ryan Ponce matapos akusahan ng kapwa konsehal na si Eunice Castro dahil umano sa sexual harassment.

Vincent Gutierrez/BALITA