Davide defends Baltazar

The sexual harassment charged against Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. was meant to discredit him, said Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.

Davide told reporters that he still has trust and confidence in Tribunalo despite the allegations against him.

Tribunalo is facing investigation before the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) over allegations that he sexually harassed a fellow government employee during a meeting last June.

But Davide said he does not believe Tribunalo would sexually harass a woman.

“Ako di ko motuo niana, kanang mga allegations, I sensed some malice there,” Davide said.

Davide believes that one of Tribunalo’s subordinates may have an axe to grind against the official for ordering the transfer of Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force (CPAIFTF) head Lyndon Ruiz to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro).

Aside from being PDRRMO head, Tribunalo is also acting head of Penro.

Davide penned Executive Order 17 of 2017 ordering Ruiz

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. is facing investigation before the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) over allegations that he sexually harassed a fellow government employee during a meeting last June.

to be reassigned at Penro as the CPAIFTF’s functions and duties have been transferred to the newly created Cebu Provincial Coastal Resource Management Council.

A Capitol official who requested anonymity told SunStar Cebu that Ruiz’s subordinates were angry with Tribunalo over the order to disband CPAIFTF.

But Davide clarified that Tribunalo was merely following his order.

“Nganong mo-complain man sila (Why do they complain)? He is just following my executive order,” Davide said.

In her complaint before the PWC, a female Capitol worker claimed that Tribunalo allegedly touched her buttocks while they were attending a meeting.

But Tribunalo denied the allegation when he met with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale earlier this week.