DOLE sees sex-for-flight probe completed by end of July



The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday said it expects to complete its probe on the alleged sexual abuses against overseas Filipino workers in Philippine posts abroad before the end of July.

In a news release on its website on Monday, the DOLE said 14 officers, mostly women, were deployed to the Middle East to carry out the probe.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the investigating team left for the Middle East last Friday and is now in Kuwait conducting its investigation.

"It will then go to Saudi Arabia, and finally, Jordan before it heads home to beat its deadline to submit its report on or before 12 July," the DOLE said.

One of the officers deployed abroad is Labor Attache Linda Herrera, sister-in-law of former Sen. Ernesto Herrera. She is one of three officers who are heading to Jordan.

Two officers will be deployed to Kuwait and nine to Saudi Arabia.

Expanded probe

Baldoz also said she expanded the scope of the tasks of the investigation team.

"The scope and coverage of the team has been expanded even before Rep. Walden Bello had revealed over the weekend more tales of sexual exploitation against OFWs in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The team's specific orders are to include all officers and personnel in Kuwait, Jordan, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al-Khobar which Rep. Bello mentioned in his interview with the media on Saturday," she said.

Bello earlier revealed alleged sexual exploitation of OFWs, supposedly involving Philippine embassy and POLO officials in Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

Panel to hear cases

Baldoz issued Administrative Order 239 to create a panel that will hear cases, if necessary, after the investigation team submits its report.

Heading the panel is Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango. Panel members include representatives from the DOLE's Legal Service, and the DOLE Organic Employees Association.

The panel was initially given until the end of July to resolve the case. It will evaluate all the documents, statements, and evidence that the investigating team may gather.

It will then submit its recommendations to Baldoz after it concludes its work.

Villafuerte's recall order

Meanwhile, Baldoz also said embattled assistant labor attache Antonio Villafuerte arrived in the Philippines from Saudi Arabia last Friday following his recall order.

"Villafuerte has expressed desire to face the investigation team first before he makes himself available to the media." Baldoz said.

Villafuerte had been linked by at least three OFWs to the alleged sexploitation mess. He has denied the allegations.
 
At least three alleged victims of the "sex-for-flight" scandal have released their sworn statements on the supposed sexual exploitation that occurred in Manila’s Middle East diplomatic posts.
 
Two of the victims have accused Villafuerte of sexually molesting them.
 
Last week, Villafuerte granted an interview to Saudi-based news site Arab News where he said he is ready to face the charges against him.
 
"I have rendered my duties in a proper manner and believe that there are some people who are willing to come forward to bring out the truth,” he said, adding that he was concerned about the effect of the accusations on his family. — VVP, GMA News

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