Cavite gov asks for ‘little compassion’ for barangay officials in sex scandal

MANILA, Philippines — Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Friday sought for a “little compassion” for the two barangay officials in Dasmariñas who were caught having sex in a teleconference meeting with fellow village officials, saying the “humiliation alone is enough punishment for those involved.”

“I will not defend their actions, they are inexcusable and ignorant. What I am asking for, is a little compassion,” Remulla said in a Facebook post.

“I am sure the families involved are wounded and hurting deeply. Dala nila ang kahihiyan na ito habang buhay (They will carry this shame for life). The humiliation alone is enough punishment for those involved,” he pointed out.

Remulla said he “will not lecture people about morality,” adding that those who have not sinned should be the first to judge the barangay chairman and treasurer involved.

“Let those who are perfect in every way judge another’s act. Let those who have never sinned be the first to render opinion,” the governor added.

He said that as far as he knows, the barangay chairman and treasurer involved and their respective families have already “processed the incident and have chosen to stay together and move on.”

“Unfortunately, ‘moving on’ also means losing their jobs as well as their respective mandates,” said Remulla.

The governor likewise urged those who are not involved in the issue to move on as well.

“Gamitin ang ating oras at atensyon sa mga bagay na may saysay para sa ikabubuti ng sarili. Bawal judgmental,” he said.

(Let us use our time and attention to things that are worthy and will give us benefit.)

Remulla also noted that engaging in gossip impedes the success of some individuals.

“Ang Pilipino ay numero unong chismoso sa buong mundo. Madulas ka lang ng kaunti ay pulutan ka na ng ilang araw. Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad ng ilan. Puro chismis kasi ang inuuna at inaatupag,” he pointed out.

(Filipinos are the number one gossipers in the world. If you commit a little mistake, you will be the talk of the town for days. That’s why some people don’t immediately succeed. It’s because they prioritize gossip.)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said it will investigate the incident concerning the barangay chairman and treasurer who were caught having sex.

However, in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Remulla said there is “nothing to investigate” anymore because the two officials have already resigned from their posts.

Meanwhile, Remulla urged his constituents to study how to properly use teleconferencing applications before using it, as the public opts to conduct meetings online amid the pandemic.

“Paalala na ang ‘mute’ ay hindi (Let me remind you that mute is not an) ‘invisible’ feature. Please turn off the video function before doing anything else like bringing your phone or laptop to the toilet,” he said.

He also advised his constituents who have not seen the video to not attempt to watch it.

“Pakiusap, kung hindi pa ninyo nakita, please lang huwag nyo na hanapin (If you have not seen it, please don’t search for it). Once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it. Should you receive it, please don’t share it,” Remulla added.

gsg