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Senator Cayetano Criticizes DFA, DMW For Silence Amid Diplomat's Accusations
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano didn't mince words on Tuesday as he chastised officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for their silence in defending a diplomat accused of involvement in a scam targeting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Italy.
During the February 13, 2024 hearing of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers focusing on illegal recruitment schemes, Cayetano, an independent senator and former Foreign Affairs Secretary (2017-2018), directed his frustration towards the agencies for failing to support their employee in the face of public accusations.
The diplomat in question is Elmer Cato, the Consul General of the Philippines in Milan, who came under fire following reports by a Philippine newspaper alleging his involvement in shielding the owners of an immigration consultancy firm accused of defrauding Filipino job applicants in Italy.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the DFA, Cato chose to take legal action against the news outlet by filing 17 counts of cyber libel last month.
Reports indicate that Cato's complaint was triggered by a series of news reports and commentaries accusing him of negligence and corruption for allegedly ignoring complaints from Filipinos defrauded by the Filipino-owned Alpha Assistenza SRL.
Cayetano expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the issue not only tarnished Cato's reputation but also reflected poorly on the DFA and DMW. He stressed the importance of the government agencies publicly addressing such matters, especially after their employee had been exonerated.
Highlighting the need for transparency and accountability, Cayetano recalled his tenure as Foreign Affairs Secretary, where he urged officials like Cato to promptly respond to media queries concerning allegations against diplomats and officials.
The senator underscored the critical role of the DFA in defending its diplomats, emphasizing that neglecting to address accusations could erode public trust in the government, particularly concerning the welfare of OFWs, which should always remain a top priority.
Cayetano urged the DFA to overcome its fear of media scrutiny and to stand firmly behind its personnel, emphasizing that the reputation of the Philippines abroad was at stake.
"This is about the DFA, not just Elmer Cato. We are talking about the image of the Philippines in other countries," Cayetano remarked, urging the agencies to uphold accountability and integrity in handling such delicate matters.
During the February 13, 2024 hearing of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers focusing on illegal recruitment schemes, Cayetano, an independent senator and former Foreign Affairs Secretary (2017-2018), directed his frustration towards the agencies for failing to support their employee in the face of public accusations.
The diplomat in question is Elmer Cato, the Consul General of the Philippines in Milan, who came under fire following reports by a Philippine newspaper alleging his involvement in shielding the owners of an immigration consultancy firm accused of defrauding Filipino job applicants in Italy.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the DFA, Cato chose to take legal action against the news outlet by filing 17 counts of cyber libel last month.
Reports indicate that Cato's complaint was triggered by a series of news reports and commentaries accusing him of negligence and corruption for allegedly ignoring complaints from Filipinos defrauded by the Filipino-owned Alpha Assistenza SRL.
Cayetano expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the issue not only tarnished Cato's reputation but also reflected poorly on the DFA and DMW. He stressed the importance of the government agencies publicly addressing such matters, especially after their employee had been exonerated.
Highlighting the need for transparency and accountability, Cayetano recalled his tenure as Foreign Affairs Secretary, where he urged officials like Cato to promptly respond to media queries concerning allegations against diplomats and officials.
The senator underscored the critical role of the DFA in defending its diplomats, emphasizing that neglecting to address accusations could erode public trust in the government, particularly concerning the welfare of OFWs, which should always remain a top priority.
Cayetano urged the DFA to overcome its fear of media scrutiny and to stand firmly behind its personnel, emphasizing that the reputation of the Philippines abroad was at stake.
"This is about the DFA, not just Elmer Cato. We are talking about the image of the Philippines in other countries," Cayetano remarked, urging the agencies to uphold accountability and integrity in handling such delicate matters.
Feb 14, 2024
