BY CHITO CHAVEZ
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said it will conduct a probe on the alleged viral video showing a barangay captain in Dasmariñas City, Cavite engaging in a sexual act via Zoom.
DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya described the supposed act as “appalling and disturbing because it goes against public morals and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees’’.
“If true, this is unbecoming of an elected government official. Tinitiyak po naming iimbestigahan ang insidenting ito at pananagutin ang barangay captain ng kung anong karampatang parusa ng batas sa inasal niya,” Malaya said.
Under the leadership of DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año, Malaya emphasized that “he does not condone nor tolerate such obscene behavior of any local government official who is expected to conduct himself in a manner befitting his public office’’.
Malaya added the DILG investigation team is mandated to submit the soonest time the result of its investigation to determine the liability of the barangay captain and his partner.
After assessing the findings, Malaya said the DILG “will recommend his prosecution to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dasmariñas’’.
He also urged the Dasmariñas City government to make an independent investigation since it also has disciplining authority over Barangay Fatima Dos officials.
Although the DILG did not fully divulge the name of the said barangay official, a website post identified him as Barangay Captain Jesus Estil.
“If all evidence point to the culpability of Kap Estil, he can be slapped with administrative cases and may even be removed from his position as barangay captain. Public office is a public trust. Hindi kayo binoto ng mga kababayan ninyo para maging source ng iskandalo kundi para maglingkod,” he said.
Malaya noted that public officials are expected to display the highest moral and ethical standard as mandated by Republic Act No. 6713 also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Estil and his companion who was later on identified as the barangay treasurer were placed on the spotlight after their supposed Zoom meeting regarding their barangay’s plans in beating COVID-19 was alleged turned to a sexual show recorded and aired through the virtual platform. (Chito A. Chavez)
