The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday it won’t tolerate any “obscene” behavior of local government officials, following the viral video of a Cavite barangay chairman engaging in a sexual act via Zoom.
Brgy. Fatima Dos Chairman Jesus Estil figured in an alleged “sex show” streamed online, according to the statement.
Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that the “DILG under the leadership of Secretary Eduardo M. Año does not condone nor tolerate such obscene behavior of any local government official who is expected to conduct himself in a manner befitting his public office.”
Malaya said the DILG found the report “appalling” and “disturbing” because it went against the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.
“Tinitiyak po naming iimbestigahan ang insidenting ito at pananagutin ang barangay captain ng kung anong karampatang parusa ng batas sa inasal niya,” he said.
Section 2 of the code states that “[p]ublic officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.”
Malaya said the DILG investigation team would submit findings to determine if charges could be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) of Dasmariñas.
He urged the city government to investigate the barangay chairman as well.
“If all evidence point to the culpability of Kap Estil, he can be slapped with administrative cases and may even be removed from his position as barangay captain,” Malaya said.
“Public office is a public trust. Hindi kayo binoto ng mga kababayan ninyo para maging source ng iskandalo kundi para maglingkod,” he said.
Gov. Jonvic Remulla urged netizens to “move on” and to spend their time wisely instead of being “judgmental.”
“I will not defend their actions, they are inexcusable and ignorant. What I am asking for, is a little compassion. I am sure the families involved are wounded and hurting deeply. Dala nila ang kahihiyan na ito habang buhay. The humiliation alone is enough punishment for those involved,” he said on a Facebook post.
Remulla said Filipinos were “numero unong chismoso. […] Madulas ka lang ng kaunti ay pulutan ka na ng ilang araw. Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad ng ilan. Puro chismis kasi ang inuuna at inaatupag.”
“Kaya’t tayong mga hindi naman kasali sa isyu na ito, dapat move on na rin. Gamitin ang ating oras at atensyon sa mga bagay na may saysay para sa ikabubuti ng sarili. Bawal judgmental,” he continued. Francis David T. Perez