President Duterte approves inquiry into Philippine envoy’s viral video
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the Department of Foreign Affairs upcoming inquiry into the case of Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro who was caught in camera maltreating her domestic worker in several occasions.
Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said during the midday Malacanang Press Briefing that being a presidential appointee, the Department of Foreign Affairs sought President Duterte’s approval prior to the formal inquiry scheduled upon the envoy’s return to Manila after she was recalled by Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. last Tuesday.
Diplomatic sources said Ambassador Mauro’s status will also be part of the investigation. There has been no update as to the composition of the fact-finding team. A hearing panel will be created by the Board of Foreign Service Administration.
Ambassador Mauro is a career diplomat and has been assigned to various foreign posts before her latest assignment to Brazil.
Aside from the diplomat, security and administrative personnel will also be under investigation especially how the video reached a news television channel in Brazil. A former diplomat who requested anonymity said there was definitely a breach in security.
“The inquiry should be able to establish who had access to the close circuit television,” the former DFA official said. (Melo M. Acuña)
Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque. (Screen Grab from PTV4/RTVM Midday Press Briefing from Bohol)