Radio station execs sued for sexual harassment

CEBU, Philippines - A sexual harassment complaint was filed before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office Monday afternoon against a radio station's program head.

The station manager was included in the criminal complaint for alleged inaction after the matter was brought to him.

The complainant, a native of Leyte and currently residing in Mandaue City, alleged that she was harassed by the station's news and public affairs chief on Oct. 19, 2013.

The FREEMAN is withholding the name of the complainant and the respondents in compliance with provisions of Republic Act 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.

The complainant said that sometime in Sept. 2013, she applied as a reporter of the radio station, as per advice and recommendation of the news director.

She used to work as an intern in the radio station.

 Weeks after, the complainant said, she was told that she was due for an interview with the station manager and the news and public affairs program head.

She said that on Oct. 19, 2013, she received a text message from the program head asking for her whereabouts, as he wanted to see her.

Although uncomfortable with the request, she acceded and met the guy near her place. She said they made small talks and that she suggested that they go to a videoke bar in Mabolo, Cebu City just to chill out, being familiar with the person.

In her affidavit, the complainant said the guy suggested that they go somewhere else, where they would not be disturbed.

"Not knowing about his plan, I just immediately nodded and he brought me to a hotel (in) Mabolo," she said, adding that she was shocked because the place is a known trysting place for lovers.

She said that inside the hotel, the program head allegedly started kissing her and removing her clothes, then requested that they have sex.

The girl said she resisted so nothing happened between the two of them. She was then brought back to her place. 

She said a former media industry colleague brought what happened to the attention of the station manager, whom she alleged did not do anything to discipline the program head.

The complainant said she was traumatized and spent sleepless nights because of what happened.

Sought by The FREEMAN for his side, the radio station program head declined to comment, saying he would answer the allegation only after receiving a copy of the complaint. — (FREEMAN)