Videos of abuse taken out of context? Dismissed envoy says case mishandled

Former ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro, who was dismissed for supposedly maltreating her helper said Wednesday she was denied due process and her case was “railroaded” and “mishandled.”

In a 5-page statement, Mauro claimed “there were heavy deficiencies committed by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) Hearing Panel.”

“For some reasons, the DFA Hearing Panel totally disregarded the documentary evidence that my lawyers and I have painstakingly gathered, reviewed and submitted to them,” Mauro said.

She added: “The case was railroaded to the point that important pieces of evidence were deliberately not given due attention.”

Mauro was caught on video while assaulting her 51-year old Filipina helper inside the diplomatic residence.

Over the weekend, President Rodrigo Duterte said he has approved the dismissal of Mauro from the Philippine Foreign Service, and the recommended accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification of holding public office and bar from taking civil service examination.

Mauro said she was deeply saddened to learn about her dismissal through media reports and that it “pains” her that the penalty was recommended and imposed “despite the explanation and contextualization of what actually transpired.”

“I completely regret the incidents in the videos and the shame it has brought upon the Department of Foreign Affairs… I want to reassure the public that I have made amends and have deeply regretted my behavior,” she said.

“I have asked my kasambahay’s forgiveness, which she has given.”

She went on to claim that she has been treating her helper as a family member as has been in her family’s employ on and off for over 30 years.

“My kasambahay has always considered this a family matter to be resolved within the family. Her silence and refusal to appear before the public despite heavy encouragement to do so is testament to her desire to keep this matter within the family,” she said.

Despite the helper’s refusal to lodge formal charges, Mauro said the still actively pursued the helper and recommended her dismissal.

The diplomat also claimed that the videos were “taken out of context and created a negative public impression” that judged her character.

She also disclosed her plan to bring her case to the court to “obtain an unbiased judgment.”