Career of diplomat charged by Luli with sexual harassment now in limbo

The Foreign Service Officer (FSO) slapped with sexual harassment by President Arroyo’s daughter Maria Evangeline "Luli" Arroyo in 1996, was promoted to Minister Counselor at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, but his promotion from now to 2004 may face rough sailing because this time the President will sign his promotion papers.

The administrative case filed by Luli and the Department of Foreign Affairs against Jose Ampeso, was dismissed in 1998 after Ampeso wrote a letter of apology in the presence of her parents.

Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin said Ampeso had served the conditions and punishment as a result of the administrative case filed against him.

Ebdalin said Ampeso, who was considered for promotion as Minister Counselor at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore on Jan. 13, 2000 during the Estrada administration, is one step away from the rank of Chief of Mission, and then to the position of Ambassador.

However, his promotion between now and 2004 will be decided and signed by President Arroyo.

"The President can disapprove it. She may not sign the papers notwithstanding the approval of the Board," Ebdalin said.

In her complaint, Luli, who was among the volunteers for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) hosted by the Philippines in 1996, entered the Duty Officer Room on Nov. 8, 1996 with documents that had to be received by Duty Officer Ampeso.

Luli, who was working with Ambassador Antonio Basilio, was tasked to deliver the documents in connection with the APEDC Summit to Ampeso at around 12:30 a.m.

Ampeso asked the complainant’s name, what she was doing at the DFA, whether her mother then Senator Arroyo knew where she was at that late hour and other "inappropriate" questions that offended Luli.

She also stated in her complaint-affidavit that Ampeso, who was under the influence of alcohol, invited her to sit down and drink with him, and continued with his "inappropriate" questioning.

Luli was about to leave the DO Room when Ampeso bumped her on the side of the torso but he apologized for it.

During the investigation conducted by the Board of Foreign Service Administration (BFSA) headed by Atty. Generoso Calonge, Ampeso denied the charges against him.

Ampeso claimed the remark about her parents if they knew she was still at the DFA that half past midnight was only meant to compliment her for her sense of volunteerism for the APEC Summit.

He also denied that he was under the influence of liquor when he spoke to Luli.

However, both parties agreed to dismiss the case on October 1998 provided Ampeso execute a letter of apology and personally apologize to the complainant in the presence of her parents.

The respondents was also ordered to attend clinical sessions including touching on gender sensitivity and alcoholism.

All the conditions satisfied and were accepted by Luli.

The dismissal of the case was recommended subject to the approval of the BFSA en banc. With majority vote of the voting members present, the Board agreed to affirm the case "with prejudice."