PHL envoy to Nigeria says corruption allegation ‘false, malicious’

Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho-Vicario on Wednesday denied the corruption allegation hurled against her by one of her staff members, describing the accusation as "false and malicious."

"I vehemently deny the accusation," Vicario told GMA News Online by phone. "Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nasa isip niya."

Vicario was referring to Consular officer Elmor Maglunsod, who filed an official complaint against her for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct of Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employee, and Republic Act No. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Although Vicario would not surmise on Maglunsod's possible motivation in filing the complaint, she admitted that their relationship has not been harmonious ever since she recently rejected his request to travel to the Philippines.

She said she thumbed down the request because at that time, Maglunsod had just came from a vacation in the Philippines in December.

"Wala pang one month, nagpapaalam ng leave, paalis, dahil sa birthday ng anak niya, which are twins, mga bata pa," she said.

Vicario explained that since Nigeria is considered as a "hardship post," they are allowed to come home to the Philippines for consultation or medical checkup.

No corruption

In his complaint, Maglunsod claimed that Vicario violated government laws "in her travels, especially where her husband accompanied her."

Maglunsod cited in his complaint an incident in Nov. 6, 2017 during a consular mission to Ghana, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire wherein Vicario allegedly asked him to donate a part of his travel allowance for embassy staffer Renie Santa Agata who recently suffered a stroke.

Vicario said she did not force Maglunsod to donate money and that there was "no corruption" in her request. She said she has the receipts and bank records to prove that the money was used for its intended purpose.

Vicario admitted that her husband, Pascasio Vicario, always accompanies her to her travels because he serves as her security.

"It's not irregular. Dito sa Nigeria, wala akong bodyguard. My security is always at risk and my husband knows that," she said.

In an e-mail to GMA News Online, Vicario said Maglunsod is the one facing corruption charges, accusing him of preempting a passport fixing case filed against him prior to his deployment to Nigeria.

"I will send all documentary evidence to our office [at the] DFA and my response regarding this malicious and fabricated charges against me and my husband as soon as possible. Just received the copy of the complaint this afternoon," Vicario said.

'Forceful, arrogant'

During the interview, Vicario noted Maglunsod's "forceful and arrogant" way of talking to her, recalling an incident during one particular dinner where the United States ambassador was present.

"When you talk to him, para siyang mabait. Pero pag nagsalita siya, pasigaw," she said.

She said she once asked him to "lower down your voice, you're talking to the ambassador."

"Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya ganun," Vicario said. "Parang he does not care."

Vicario said she had also told Maglunsod, "You are not fitted to be posted. When you do that, parang sinasabi mo ayaw mo rito." 

Due process

Ernesto Abella, DFA Undersecretary for Strategic Communication and Research, confirmed that the DFA has received the complaint filed against Vicario.

Maglunsod's affidavit was filed before the DFA on Dec. 20, 2017. He also filed the complaint before the Office of the President's Complaint Center and the Civil Service Commission.

Asked why it took so long for the DFA to act on Maglunsod's complaint, Abella said: "Let me just say that the complaint has been received, however, we can not comment on the particulars because there are certain details that need to be attended do, but due process will be observed."

Based on her curriculum vitae, this is the second time that Vicario was appointed as political ambassador, having served during the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as envoy to Papua New Guinea on Feb. 15, 2007 until she was recalled by President Benigno Aquino III on Sept. 30, 2010.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Malacanang takes the case against Vicario "very, very seriously," adding "it will be investigated." —ALG, GMA News