MANILA – Senator Pia Cayetano yesterday expressed her support to former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos-Jalasco, who is pursuing a sexual harassment case against Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado of the Philippine men’s football team, Azkals.

In a statement, Cayetano said sexual harassment must not be tolerated anytime, anywhere and such acts should not go unpunished. Cayetano is the chairperson of the Senate committee on youth, women and family relations.

She also asked the sports officials to conduct an immediate and independent investigation of the incident which took place last Feb. 29 during a friendly match between the Azkals and a Malaysian team at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“I call for the immediate investigation of this incident so this can be put to rest, not only because this is a serious allegation made by Match Commissioner Cristy Ramos, who is a sports official, but also because the Azkals are looked up to by the youth as modern-day heroes and role models,” Cayetano said.

The complaint filed by Ramos against Moy and Guirado has reportedly been forwarded to the disciplinary committee of the Asian Football Commission.

“While only two Azkals were charged in the complaint, I am bothered by the revelation made in Ramos’ account that their teammates were even laughing as the two accused were making fun of her, and that no one made any effort to stop their [Moy and Guirado] offending acts and remarks,” Cayetano said.

”If I were in the shoes of Cristy Ramos, I would likewise feel extremely offended like any woman would be,” added Cayetano.

The daughter of former President Fidel V. Ramos said in her complaint letter the incident happened while she was conducting a pre-match inspection inside the Azkals dugout. Moy stood by her right side and said in a loud voice “must be a B cup,” to which the players laughed loudly.

”As I was the only female in the room, he was apparently referring to my bra size,” Ramos stated.

Ramos, a former president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said that when he checked Guirado, he stood in front of her “purposely just wearing his briefs and made no attempts to wear shorts or cover his underwear.”

”Again, the players loudly laughed while I was checking this player,” Ramos narrated.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami has reportedly apologized to Ramos, vowing to investigate the incident.*PNA

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