Senator wants probe on sexual harassment case vs 2 Azkals

Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday called for an investigation on the sexual harassment accusation by former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos against two members of the popular Philippine Azkals football team.   “I call for the immediate investigation of this incident so this can be put to rest, not only because this is a serious allegation made by Match Commissioner Cristy Ramos, who is a sports official, but also because the Azkals are looked up to by the youth as modern-day heroes and role models," she said.   Ramos, daughter of former President Fidel V. Ramos, has filed a sexual harassment complaint after she allegedly experienced “crude and totally shameful…sexist and demeaning behavior” from Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado just before the friendly match between the Philippines and Malaysia last week.   Ramos' complaint was filed before the disciplinary committee of the Asian Football Confederation, but Cayetano said Philippine sports officials should conduct an independent probe on the incident.    Cayetano, who chairs the Senate committee on youth, women, and family relations, added that sexual harassment "must not be tolerated anytime, anywhere."    "Such acts should not go unpunished.  If I were in the shoes of Cristy Ramos, I would likewise feel extremely offended like any woman would be,” she said.   “While only two Azkals were charged in the complaint, I am bothered by the revelation made in Ramos’ account that their teammates were even laughing as the two accused were making fun of her, and that no one made any effort to stop their [Moy and Guirado] offending acts and remarks,” she added. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News