Malacañang has ordered the dismissal from the service of an assistant solicitor common after he was discovered “administratively liable” for the sexual harassment of two authorized interns.
In a 22-page determination obtained by GMA Integrated News, the Office of the President dismissed ASG Derek Puertollano after he was discovered administratively answerable for sexual harassment by means of undesirable touching of personal physique components, sexual harassment by means of undesirable touching or brushing in opposition to a sufferer’s physique, sexual harassment by means of surreptitiously taking a look at an individual’s personal half, and different analogous instances.
According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras,” the victims’ statements confirmed they have been with Puertollano in Cebu City to watch a listening to in 2022. Puertollano determined that they keep in his room whereas they ironed out their lodging.
As one of many victims tried to sleep, Puertollano allegedly touched his thigh. The sufferer stated he moved his physique away.
The following morning, Puertollano was stated to have entered the lavatory whereas the opposite sufferer took a bathe. After the sufferer completed his tub, Puertollano allegedly once more went into the lavatory, gargled, and touched the complainant’s butt.
Aside from the incidents on the lodge, there have been additionally alleged sexual harassment at Office of the Solicitor General in Makati.
Puertollano allegedly would touch upon a sufferer’s physique and would stare at a sufferer’s crotch space.
In his protection as regards the incident on the lodge, Puertollano stated the group was already in a rush and he had to make use of the lavatory. He stated he knocked however no one answered; thus he went in.
He stated the sufferer was nonetheless within the bathe, and he couldn’t have touched the sufferer.
As for feedback concerning the physique of an intern, Puertollano stated he solely needed to attach. He denied staring on the sufferer’s crotch.
For its half, the Office of the President stated it isn’t satisfied with Puertollano’s justifications.
“The evidence presented by the prosecution satisfactorily proved that the above-discussed conduct of Puertollano caused insecurity, discomfort, offense, and humiliation to AAA and BBB,” it stated.
“After a careful examination of the evidence presented, it is found that there is substantial evidence to hold Puertollano guilty for the offenses he was charged with,” it added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ/NB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
