Duterte sacks PH envoy in alleged abuse of helper

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has dismissed from service the country’s ambassador to Brazil who was caught on video physically abusing a Filipina household helper.

During Monday night’s airing of his pre-recorded talk, Duterte said he has signed the order dismissing from service Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro.

“’Yung ambassador doon sa Brazil who maltreated a household helper, ito repeatedly inflicted physical harm doon sa tao. The recommendation was, and I signed the order, the other day or last night, I signed the document affirming the decision,” he said.

“The decision metes out the penalty of dismissal from the service,” he added.

Mauro’s dismissal likewise comes with the cancellation of her eligibility, forfeiture of her retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office as she was also barred from taking civil service exams, according to Duterte.

In October last year, Mauro was recalled to the Philippines after footage showed her “berating and mistreating her household staff.”

Mauro, a career diplomat, was appointed ambassador to Brazil in 2018. She was also posted in Belgium and Italy, among others.

Duterte earlier approved the conduct of an investigation on Mauro.

KGA