Ex-PH envoy faces formal charges for allegedly abusing Filipino household helper

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9) — Former Philippine ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro was formally charged on Monday for allegedly abusing her Filipino household helper, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. said.

He said he has already informed President Rodrigo Duterte of the charges against Mauro, a career diplomat. It remains unclear if Mauro is facing administrative or criminal raps.

The ex-envoy was recalled to Manila to undergo investigation after Brazil media’s GloboNews aired CCTV videos showing her apparent maltreatment of her domestic helper on various instances. In the clips, Mauro can be seen hitting the helper’s head with her palm, twisting her ear, and throwing a mop at her.

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 was appointed as an envoy to Brazil in February 2018. Prior to the post, she was assigned as consul general to the Philippine General Consulate in Milan, Italy.