Labor official in ‘sex-for-flight’ scheme may face accusers

MANILA, Philippines - The labor official involved in the “sex-for-flight” scheme in the Middle East may soon face his accusers.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday reported Riyadh assistant labor attaché Antonio Villafuerte would be given the chance to confront the three alleged victims and answer the charges against him.

“During the preliminary investigation, if Villafuerte wants, the investigation team will allow him to confront the complainants and examine the evidence presented,” she said.

After being recalled following complaints of sexual harassment and alleged pimping of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Villafuerte returned home Friday night.

Villafuerte denied the charges while his wife Remedios defended him.

Baldoz said Villafuerte has until July 12 to submit before the fact-finding committee a written answer to the complaints.

“The fact-finding team will be returning from their two-week mission in the Middle East on July 12 so he (Villafuerte) should submit his written explanation by then,” Baldoz said.

“I think that is enough time for him to consult a lawyer if he thinks he needs it and answer the accusations against him point by point,” she added.

Baldoz said the first stage of the investigation is for the fact-finding committee to interview witnesses and gather necessary evidence on the alleged sex-for-flight scheme.

The team will then review and validate the evidence before submitting it to the investigating team headed by Labor assistant secretary Gloria Tango.

“The fact-finding team is in charge of gathering evidence while the investigating team during the preliminary investigation will determine whether there is a prima facie case and what is the specific charge to be filed,” Baldoz said.

The three women submitted sworn affidavits accusing Villafuerte of sexual harassment. One of the victims identified as Michelle also claimed that Villafuerte offered her to an Egyptian client.

Another Filipina worker, however, surfaced to defend Villafuerte and deny the accusations against the labor official.

Baldoz said the testimony of the worker favoring Villafuerte would be “collateral” in the ongoing investigation because the probe will focus on the testimonies of the three complainants.

Baldoz also expressed confidence that the government would be able to implement reforms and prevent similar abuses against OFWs after the investigation.