FOLLOWING the viral video of the punong barangay of Fatima Dos, Dasmariñas City, Cavite engaging in a sexual act via Zoom, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that it will send an investigation team to probe the alleged incident.
DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that they find the report appalling and disturbing because it goes against public morals and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.
“If true, this is unbecoming of an elected government official. Tinitiyak po naming iimbestigahan ang insidenting ito at pananagutin ang barangay captain ng kung anong karampatang parusa ng batas sa inasal niya,” he said.
“The DILG under the leadership of Secretary Eduardo M. Año does not condone nor tolerate such obscene behaviour of any local government official who is expected to conduct himself in a manner befitting his public office,” he adds.
Malaya said that the DILG investigation team is mandated to submit the soonest time the result of its investigation to determine the liability of the barangay captain and his partner and recommend his prosecution to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dasmariñas.
He also urged the Dasmariñas City Government to likewise investigate the said Barangay Captain since it also has disciplining authority over barangay officials.
“If all evidence point to the culpability of Kap Estil, he can be slapped with administrative cases and may even be removed from his position as barangay captain. Public office is a public trust. Hindi kayo binoto ng mga kababayan ninyo para maging source ng iskandalo kundi para maglingkod,” he said.
The DILG Spokesperson said that public officials are expected to display the highest moral and ethical standard as mandated by Republic Act No. 6713 also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Section 2 of the said law states that “It is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.”
Estil and his companion who was later on identified as the Barangay Treasurer were placed on the spotlight after their supposed Zoom meeting regarding their barangay’s plans in beating COVID-19 was alleged turned to a sexual show recorded and aired through the virtual platform.
