Kissing bandit gets 90-day suspension

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Pocketing funds while in public office can get you in trouble. So can stealing a kiss.

The provincial government here has slapped a 90-day suspension on a male employee accused of sexually harassing a female officemate last year.

Ernesto Sobrepeña, a staff member of the provincial cooperative affairs office, is the first government employee of this province to be suspended for such an offense.

He is now in danger of losing his job and landing into more trouble as the victim and the provincial government’s grievance committee plan to pursue criminal charges as well.

A probe conducted by the grievance committee, led by provincial legal officer Basilio Rupisan, found Sobrepeña guilty of sexual harassment against Violy Toledo, his junior officemate.

Toledo, single and a former local beauty queen, had complained that Sobrepeña forcibly kissed her and repeatedly sent her written messages with sexual connotations.

Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Rodolfo Agbayani said other employees should learn from their colleague’s mistake.

"This is a warning to all employees that they should act with utmost respect for others whether inside or outside the workplace," Agbayani said.