Manila kagawad sued for sexual harassment

MANILA, Philippines - A 78-year-old barangay councilman was charged with sexual harassment and acts of lasciviousness by a newly hired employee at a hardware store he owns in Sampaloc, Manila Saturday night.

The employee said she was hired as a sales clerk by Paolo Hardware Store owner and Barangay 539 kagawad Rito Mariaca on Oct. 27.

In a complaint she filed with the Manila Police District women’s and children’s desk, the employee alleged that Mariaca molested her at least 11 times since she was hired.

She alleged that Mariaco kissed her on the lips several hours after she was hired and there have been incidents when Mariaca would order her to go to his room and serve him wine.

The employee also alleged that she has fended off Mariaca’s attempts to rape her several times.

On Friday, the 28-year-old employee and mother of two resigned after her employer groped her again.

She said when she went to the barangay to file her complaint, a ranking official allegedly told her to just settle the problem amicably and not bring it to court.