Remulla: No need to probe Zoom sex scandal, involved execs have resigned

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Friday said there is no need to probe the alleged Zoom sex scandal involving barangay officials in Dasmariñas City, Cavite as both officials have already quit from their respective posts.

"He resigned, that's number one. The barangay (treasurer) resigned. What is there to investigate? What is there to prosecute? It was an act of two consenting adults although they were both married. There is nothing to investigate. They resigned," Remulla told ANC.

Remulla said he does not condone the behavior of the two individuals, however, he asks for compassion for the local officials' families.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said it would look into the incident, which spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya branded as "appalling and disturbing as it goes against public morals and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.

An investigating team from the DILG was sent to probe the incident, Malaya said.

Meanwhile, Malaya said the DILG has yet to receive the resignation letter of the involved barangay captain.

If it is true that he already resigned, the DILG could still pursue administrative charges against him but he can no longer be suspended or relieved but instead he can be fined or be disqualified from public office, Malaya added.

"Resignation does not extinguish his administrative liability since the act was done while he was in office," Malaya told GMA News Online.

According to Jorge Magno, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Dasmariñas City, the Zoom meeting about the COVID-19 response in the barangay took place last week.

The DILG has 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. —LBG, GMA News