Former ABS-CBN exec, producer charged with sex harassment

MANILA, Philippines — A former executive and a segment producer of television network ABS-CBN were indicted in court in the sexual harassment case filed by showbiz reporter Gretchen Fullido.

Former TV Patrol supervising producer Cheryl Favila and segment producer Maricar Asprec were charged with violation of Republic Act 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act) before the Quezon City metropolitan trial court last May 28.

In a resolution obtained from the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday, the Quezon City prosecutor’s office found probable cause in the complaint filed by Fullido last year.

Investigating Assistant City Prosecutor Rosalinda Sajot stressed that Favila, as ecosystem head of the network’s integrated news department during the incidents from 2015 to 2017, had authority and ascendancy at their office and requested sexual favors from the complainant.

The prosecutor cited messages sent by Favila to Fullido that “signify double meaning as they contain sexual undertones.”

“The messages sent by Favila to Fullido contain flirtatious playful text messages. Her flirtatious dealings with Fullido were inappropriate as she was the latter’s supervisor, compromising their professional relationship,” the resolution explained.

While the sexual harassment case against her was dismissed by the network management, Favila was dismissed by ABS-CBN in April 2018 after finding her guilty of violating the company’s Code of Conduct and the Labor Code.

Asprec, on the other hand, was also indicted by the prosecutor because she “conspired with Favila” in committing the alleged sexual harassment acts.

The prosecutor stressed that when Fullido spurned the two’s advances and filed her complaint with their network administration, she experienced a “hostile working environment” to her damage and prejudice.

In the same resolution, the prosecutor dismissed the counter-charges of libel and perjury filed by Favila and Asprec against Fullido for lack of probable cause.