NLRC exec sued for picture of lawyer’s underskirt

MANILA, Philippines — A Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) official is in hot water for allegedly taking pictures of a female lawyer’s underskirt.

Lawyer Estefanie Dayanghirang slapped NLRC 7th Division Commissioner Nendell Hanz Abella with another case of violating the Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.

In a 20-page complaint, Dayanghirang said Abella must be held criminally liable for his actions that gave rise to two separate and
 distinct offenses.

Dayanghirang said her second complaint cannot be considered a violation of the right against double jeopardy since it involved two cases.

“Because of the criminal act committed by respondent Abella, I no longer feel safe as a person and as a woman, considering that everything that happened from the commission of the crime up to the filing of the complaint has greatly favored respondent Abella,” the complainant said.

She further reported that Abella even approached her and offered compensation for the crime that he committed “as if sexual harassment and violation can be bought and paid off.”

Dayanghirang said she was boarding a plane bound for Cebu on Feb. 12 when the incident happened. She initially filed a complaint before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office, but was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

Abella belied the accusations against him and said he would answer the allegations at the proper time and forum.