Fortuna seeks creation of office to probe sexual harassment cases

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The Mandaue City Government is planning to establish a dedicated office that will look into sexual harassment complaints and violations of the Safe Spaces Act raised against city officials and employees.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Ordinances, said the creation of the said office is part of the city’s efforts to strengthen the implementation of the anti-sexual harassment ordinance and the Safe Spaces Act.

Fortuna’s proposal that was contained in a draft ordinance was passed on first reading during the City Council’s regular session on Monday, July 6.

READ: Byron Garcia posts bail in sexual harassment case, alleges police maltreatment

If approved on final reading, the proposed office will receive and investigate complaints against city officials and rank-and-file employees. It will also recommend appropriate disciplinary actions based on its findings, including suspension or dismissal when warranted.

Fortuna said the office will be headed by a lawyer, while the Office of the Mayor will issue an administrative order designating the other members of the investigation team.

He clarified, however, that any recommendations made by the proposed office will still be subject to the Mayor’s review and approval, in accordance with Civil Service regulations.

Fortuna said the proposed creation of the office aims to provide victims of sexual harassment with better access to relief, legal remedies, and protection through the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) programs.

“We do not take things lightly sa complaints against sexual harassment,” he said.

Fortuna added that the city is adopting a structure similar to those used by private companies, where complaints are handled through a dedicated office or human resources mechanism.

He also assured that all complaints involving sexual harassment and violations of the Safe Spaces Act will be treated with strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of all parties involved.

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