NEDA exec slapped with P20K fine for sex raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan slapped a P20,000 fine on a National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) ranking official in Cebu City for sexually harassing a subordinate for three years.

In a 30-page decision penned by Associate Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the anti-graft court convicted NEDA Regional Director Jose Romeo Escandor for violation of Republic Act 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.

The tribunal gave credence to the testimony of the complainant, Escandor's division chief, who testified that the NEDA executive committed a series of specific acts of sexual harassment such as holding her hands while attending meetings and unwanted sexual advances like kissing her on the cheek.

The complainant also said that Escandor had been sending inappropriate text messages such as "I missed you," and making phone calls telling her that he wanted to have sexual relations with her.

The court ruled that such acts resulted to an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the complainant.

"Like in rape, acts of sexual harassment are usually committed in a private place or done clandestinely where only the perpetrator and the victim are present... an accused may be convicted of sexual harassment based solely on the testimony of the victim, as long as she is competent and credible," the court said.