THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) does not see any problem if the Senate wants to dip its hands in the sex-for-flight controversy.
Dole Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the department’s own sex-for-flight probe can continue since the congressional inquiry is more in aid of legislation and not sanctioning individuals.
“Kung may makikita sila ng makakatulong in aid of legislation, iyon ang purpose nila and make their own recommendations,” said Baldoz.
To note, several resolutions have been filed in the Senate calling for an investigation on the supposed sex-for-flight scheme involving Philippine diplomatic and labor officials based in foreign posts.
This was despite the creation of the Dole’s fact-finding team, as well as a parallel probe being done by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Baldoz said that Dole is more concerned into looking at possible administrative liabilities of their own personnel.
“Yung Congress hindi puwedeng magdisiplina. Ako lang yung puwedeng mag-impose ng disiplina sa tao ko,” said Baldoz.
Possible sanctions for administrative cases range from suspension to termination from the service.
The sex-for-flight scheme is supposedly targeting distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are offered repatriation by Philippine officials in exchange of sexual favors.
Three complaints have so far been filed against assistant Philippine Labor Attaché to Riyadh Antonio Villafuerte, who has already been recalled back to the country.
Two more officials -- Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait staff member Blas Marquez, and assistant Philippine Labor Attaché to Jordan Mario Antonio -- have also been implicated in the scandal but have yet to face formal complaints. (HDT/Sunnex)