Press Release
March 5, 2012

Pia: 'Sexual harassment should not go unpunished'

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today expressed her support to former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Cristy Ramos, who is pursuing a sexual harassment case against two members of the Philippine Azkals, the national football team.

At the same time, the lady senator called for an immediate and independent probe on the incident by our sports officials.

"Sexual harassment must not be tolerated anytime, anywhere. Such acts should not go unpunished," said Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations.

"I call for the immediate investigation of this incident so this can be put to rest, not only because this is a serious allegation made by Match Commissioner Cristy Ramos, who is a sports official, but also because the Azkals are looked up to by the youth as modern-day heroes and role models."

The complaint filed by Ramos against Azkals Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado has reportedly been forwarded to the disciplinary committee of the Asian Football Commission (AFC).

"While only two Azkals were charged in the complaint, I am bothered by the revelation made in Ramos' account that their teammates were even laughing as the two accused were making fun of her, and that no one made any effort to stop their [Moy and Guirado] offending acts and remarks," she stressed.

"If I were in the shoes of Cristy Ramos, I would likewise feel extremely offended like any woman would be," added Cayetano, who also pointed out how the issue had cropped up at a time when 'Women's Month' is being observed this March.

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