Former PH envoy to Brazil formally charged over alleged abuse of Filipina helper

Former Philippine ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro will be formally charged on Monday for allegedly abusing her Filipina household helper, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin, Jr.

Photo credit: tempo.com.ph

Locsin, however, did not elaborate on the details of the complaint but said he has sent a memo to President Rodrigo Duterte about it.

The ex-envoy was recalled to Manila to undergo investigation after Brazil media's GloboNews aired videos showing her apparent maltreatment of her domestic helper on various instances. Mauro's acts of abuse were repeatedly caught by CCTV cameras installed inside the diplomatic residence.

The administrative proceeding against her began with the issuance of a show cause order dated October 28.

Upon a formal directive from Malacañang, Locsin formed a fact-finding team, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs stands by its resolve to respond to the case "in accordance with and to the fullest extent of the law."

The helper is now back in her hometown in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Locsin earlier said the DFA has sent her ₱200,000 as financial aid.

Mauro arrived in the Philippines on November 2. Mauro, a career diplomat, joined the DFA in 1995 and served as consul general in Milan. She was also previously assigned to Manama, Bahrain; Tel Aviv, Israel; and Brussels, Belgium.