Bacolod: Mayor Greg Gasataya on Thursday condemned all forms of sexual misconduct, particularly in schools, as he terminated the services of an instructor involved in a sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student of the Bacolod City College (BCC). ‘Following due process and thorough investigation, the city has ordered the immediate dismissal of an instructor at the BCC after a credible complaint of sexual harassment was brought forward,’ he said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gasataya emphasized that sexual misconduct is deplorable, especially within institutions entrusted with the education and formation of youth. ‘Abuse of authority has no place in public service,’ he added. The mayor urged other individuals who may have been victims of sexual misconduct to come forward through the appropriate channels, assuring them of support from the city government. ‘We will protect you and we assure you of our support,’ he added.

City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu said in a media interview on Wednesday that Gasataya, as chair of the BCC Board of Trustees, ruled for the immediate dismissal of the instructor in a decision dated July 22. Chiu noted that his office received a motion for reconsideration filed by the respondent.

The instructor was found guilty of grave offense for asking for sexual favors in exchange for passing grades and favorable academic conditions, and light offenses for unwelcome inquiries or comments regarding the student’s sex life and unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances, and propositions. In the decision, the respondent was sentenced to dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from public service, based on Section 51(A) of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in Civil Service.