PHL labor attaché in Saudi denies sex abuse raps, to come home to PHL Thursday

A Philippine labor attache linked by at least three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the alleged sexploitation mess has denied the allegations against him.

In an interview with Saudi-based news site Arab News, Philippine assistant labor attache to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villafuerte said he was innocent and that he was ready to face the charges against him.

Villafuerte said he will answer his critics "at the right time and place."

He explained that in his short stint at the Philippine OVerseas Labor Office, he rendered his duties in a "proper manner."

He admitted that he was concerned about the effect of the accusations on his family but wished they they would not worry about him.

Sworn statements

At least three alleged victims of the "sex-for-flight" scandal have released their sworn statements on the supposed sexual exploitation that occurred in Manila’s Middle East diplomatic posts.

Interviewed by Ivan Mayrina at GMA News' "24 Oras", two of the victims have accused Villafuerte of sexually molesting them.

Lita, not her real name, said Villafuerte asked her sexually-loaded questions when she sought help from the embassy official after her employer had molested her.

"Akala ko po matino 'yung pagtatanong niya sa akin... Pero hindi po, mga pambabastos po ang naririnig ko sa kanya. Saan raw ako tinira ng amo ko, sa harap o sa likod, kung malaki daw po 'yung sa employer ko, 'kung masarap daw po makipagtalik," she said in the TV report.

Another victim, Ella, also not her real name, said Villafuerte once pulled her into a comfort room and molested her.

"Pagpasok ko sa CR sumunod siya. Nung sumunod siya, bigla niya ako hinila sa isang sulok papuntang CR tapos hinalikan niya ako na nakalabas po dila niya," Ella recounted.

"Tapos sabay hinawakan niya ang maselang parte ko sa taas. Sabi ko, 'Huwag po, huwag po gan'yan.' Sabi niya, 'Sige na.' Tapos nililihis niya ung abaya ko pataas na ganun."

Baldoz: Villafuerte to return Thursday

In Manila, radio dzBB quoted Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz as saying Villafuerte is due to return home on Thursday.

In an interview on dzBB, Baldoz also assured Villafuerte of due process, saying his side will be heard.

"We have to hear also side niya," she said, adding that Villafuerte had been in government service for at least 28 years.

"Kailangan thorough ang investigation. We have to satisfy requirement ng due process," she added. - with a report from Marc Jayson Cayabyab, VVP, GMA News