DILG to probe alleged Zoom sex scandal of Cavite barangay captain

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will look into the viral video of a barangay chairman in Dasmariñas City, Cavite who was allegedly involved in a Zoom sex scandal.

In a statement, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said a team would be sent to probe the incident involving the barangay official.

Malaya said the incident was appalling and disturbing because it goes against public morals and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.

“If true, this is unbecoming of an elected government official. Tinitiyak po naming iimbestigahan ang insidenteng ito at pananagutin ang barangay captain ng kung anong karampatang parusa ng batas sa inasal niya,” he said.

“The DILG under the leadership of Secretary Eduardo M. Año does not condone nor tolerate such obscene behavior of any local government official who is expected to conduct himself in a manner befitting his public office,” he added.

Malaya said the DILG investigation team is mandated to submit the result of its investigation as soon as possible to determine the liability of the barangay captain and his partner, who is reportedly the barangay treasurer, and recommend charges to be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Dasmariñas.

Malaya urged the local government of Dasmariñas City to also investigate the matter.

“If all evidence point to the culpability of (the barangay chairman), he can be slapped with administrative cases and may even be removed from his position as barangay captain. Public office is a public trust. Hindi kayo binoto ng mga kababayan ninyo para maging source ng iskandalo kundi para maglingkod,” he said.

In a Dobol B sa News TV interview, Jorge Magno, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Dasmariñas City, said the involved barangay chairman and barangay treasurer  already quit their posts.

"Ang ginawang action ni barangay chairman nagbitiw na po sa tungkulin," he said, adding that the treasurer also resigned.

"Humingi naman po si barangay chairman ng pasensya at pang-unawa," Magno said.

He said the zoom meeting about the COVID-19 response in the area took place last week.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said the incident was "unfortunate in many levels."

"Their families, the leadership structure of the province, the mandates, they betrayed. I hope it's a learning lesson for everyone on the new normal and the decorum inherent with it," Remulla said in a message.

Malaya reminded public officials that they are expected to display the highest moral and ethical standard as mandated by Republic Act No. 6713 also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Section 2 of the said law states that “It is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.”—AOL, GMA News