Cayetano lauds PFF; Haresco asks for sobriety

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Pia Cayetano yesterday commended the leadership of the Philippine Football Federation for taking immediate steps to address the sexual harassment case filed by former Philippine Olympic Committee Cristy Ramos against two members of the Philippine Azkals Football Team.

“I understand that an apology was promptly issued to Ms. Ramos by Azkals team manager Dan Palami as soon as he learned about the complaint that she filed. The PFF has also committed to cooperate with the investigation by the disciplinary committee of the Asian Football Confederation, the sport’s governing body in the region,” said Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations.

“This issue should remind us of the importance of educating our people and raising public awareness on gender sensitivity. Women should be accorded respect and treated by men as coequals and partners in development. At all times, men should be more conscious of their words and actions that may be offensive or degrading to women,” said Cayetano, who also pushed for the passage of RA 9710, the “Magna Carta of Women” in August, 2009.

This developed as an administration lawmaker called for a “time out” on the investigation to free the Azkals from distractions as they gear up for their matches in the AFC Challenge Cup this weekend.

Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Ted Haresco, however, stressed the accusations against Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy must be thoroughly investigated.

“I humbly and respectfully appeal to all concerned for a time-out on these investigations as the Philippine football team Azkals prepare to take on the Group of Death in the AFC Challenge Cup,” Haresco said in a statement.

“It’s tough enough to go against the World Cup qualifier North Korea in your first game. It’s tougher still to go against shrill voices in your own country that clamor: ‘off with your heads’,” he said.

“Ms. Ramos is one tough lady, educated abroad and with sterling track record in sports and other fields, I’m sure she also understands the pressure of international competitions,” he added.

He said he was also surprised by reports of the incident, adding the truth on the matter must come out since football has become a national favorite. He said sexual harassment must not be condoned.

“While the Filipino has to defend the Filipina, let the investigation be in the quiet corridors of the authorities concerned,” Haresco said.

The Azkals face defending champion North Korea on Friday, 2008 titlist India on Sunday, and 2006 winner Tajikistan next Tuesday.