ADMU president apologizes for sexual abuse cases, vows action vs. culprits

Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Jose Ramos Villarin, SJ apologized on Friday for the "gaps and inadequacies" of the administration has amid sexual harassment cases that have recently emerged against its faculty members.

"I deeply apologize for all the terrible hurt and pain our community has been going through the past few days," Villarin said in his press release. "No one should ever feel unsafe in the classroom, in the office, on campus or anywhere in our community."

Villarin admitted that the administration still has "much learning and listening to do." He stated that they have been struggling in how to proceed in light of the legal concerns and ethical imperatives surrounding the issue.

"When both complainant and respondent are part of the same family, the load is heavier to bear," he wrote.

Aside from the dialogue with Ateneo's student council, the president's response came after hundreds of students and faculty members staged a protest action last  Tuesday calling for transparency and accountability regarding the growing number of sexual harassment cases in the campus.

At least three professors from the English and Philosophy departments have been named in the numerous posts spreading all over the social media.

Villarin vowed to the student body that an Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults will be created directly under the Office of the President. The department, said Villarin, will be in charge of programs and mechanisms that will ensure accountability and transparency needed to eradicate sexual harassment.

Aside from expanding an alternative anonymous reporting mechanism, Villarin said that the Committee on Decorum and Investigation will also be reformed and a woman will be its head. —Kaela Malig/LBG, GMA News