Labor Coalition calls for termination of Ambassador abusive to domestic worker

Press Release

29 October 2020

LABOR COALITION CALLS FOR TERMINATION OF AMBASSADOR ABUSIVE TO DOMESTIC WORKER

Socialist labor coalition Pagkakaisa ng Uring Manggagawa (PAGGAWA) demanded the immediate dismissal of Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro after videos surfaced in the Internet of her physically abusing their 51-year old house help in the diplomatic residence.

"These disgusting actions by no less than a high ranking diplomat of our government is utterly revolting. At a time when millions of Filipino workers here and abroad are suffering from rampant employer abuse and a pandemic-induced economic crisis, the actions of Ms. Mauro become doubly insulting. PAGGAWA demands nothing less than the immediate dismissal of Ms. Mauro not just from foreign service, but also from government service," said National Confederation of Labor (NCL) President Atty. Ernesto Arellano.

Kilusan ng Manggagawang Makabayan (KMM-Katipunan) President Nathanial Clores asserted that, "it is well-documented that many of our OFWs, especially domestic workers, are victims of physical abuse by their foreign employers. The appalling irony in this case is that the perpetrator is the same person that's supposed to protect our workers overseas! How can we expect to defend our Bagong Bayanis when our own foreign attaché is no different from an abusive foreign employer?"

PAGGAWA also welcomed the DFA's immediate recalling of Ambassador Mauro to conduct an investigation on the issue but insisted that it should be exhaustive.

"The video evidence against Ambassador Mauro is clear and should be enough for her immediate dismissal. However, the investigation must also identify all those complicit in the matter either by condoning such disgusting behavior or turning a blind eye. All involved directly or indirectly involved in the abuse must also reprimanded and punished commensurately," stated Association of Genuine Labor Organizations (AGLO) Vice President Eduardo Laurencio.

PAGGAWA also underscored the silence of DOLE on the issue.

"What does the DOLE have to say about all of this? Secretary Bello, and by extension the entire Duterte administration, must demonstrate that they do not tolerate this kind of behavior towards workers, especially from public servants. The DOLE must join organized labor's call for the immediate dismissal of Ambassador Mauro," said Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino Chairman and PAGGAWA Spokesperson Ka Leody De Guzman.

PAGGAWA is composed of the following labor centers and federations: Associated Trade Unions (ATU), Association of Genuine Labor Organizations (AGLO), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Katipunan ng Samahang ng mga Manggagawa (KASAMA), Kilusan ng Manggagawang Makabayan (KMM-Katipunan), Metro East Labor Federation (MELF), National Union of Builders and Construction Workers (NUBCW), Socialista, Solidarity of Unions in the Philippines for Empowerment and Reforms (SUPER), Workers Advocates for Struggle, Transformation and Organization (WASTO).#

For reference, please contact: Ka Leody De Guzman