CH exec resigns amidst sexual abuse allegations

CEBU, Philippines — The head of Cebu City’s Records and Archives Management Division has resigned from his post.

City Administrator Floro Casas said Lorenzo Basamot has tendered his resignation, which will take effect on November 30, 2019 following accusations he harassed three female employees of City Hall.

Casas said Mayor Edgardo Labella ordered him last week to talk to Basamot personally about the allegations and Basamot has denied them.

Still, Basamot reportedly decided to step down so that Labella’s administration will not be dragged into the issue.

Casas said they were aware of the rumors circulating against Basamot but they did not take action until they received copies of the affidavit filed by the three employees.

In a previous interview, Labella said the matter should be investigated properly since sexual harassment is a serious offense.

Casas said the complainants should file their affidavits before the City Legal Office.

"Ang ilang affidavit karon nga nakuha namo dili official... pasa-pasa ra ba (The affidavits we got copies of are not official… they were being circulated around)," Casas said.

The three employees said in their affidavit that the harassment happened in three separate incidents.

Basamot said the allegations against him are politically motivated because he will run as barangay captain in the next elections.

He said he has a recording of one of the complainants admitting that someone ordered her to make the accusation.

Casas said Labella has ordered him to put measures in place so that any form of harassment will not happen at City Hall.

"We will do everything to prevent that," said Casas. JMO (FREEMAN)