TV5 to investigate alleged harassment involving network's employee, independent contractor
TV5 has issued a statement addressing an alleged incident involving one of its employees and independent contractors.
On Friday, Aug. 9, TV5 acknowledged that they are aware of the issue, stressing that they have given a Notice To Explain. They are also now investigating the parties concerned.
“We have released the necessary Notice To Explain and are conducting an investigation to determine the facts so we may take the appropriate action. We have reached out to the persons concerned and are gathering information,” their statement read.
“Rest assured that the rights and welfare of all parties shall be protected,” it continued, adding that they remain “committed to fostering a safe working environment.”
“We ask everyone to kindly reserve judgment pending our investigation,” they concluded.
This comes hours after Raffy Tulfo in Action’s episode, where they got to interview the victim, a researcher of Budol Alert, a TV5 investigative show hosted by Luchi Cruz-Valdes.
Detailing the incident, the researcher, referred to as “Talent,” shared with Sen. Raffy Tulfo that he started working as a program researcher of the show on July 15.
He claimed that he was invited to drink by the network’s program manager on July 22. At the time, he was advised by the latter to drop off his things in a hotel in Pasig City for his convenience instead of his dorm, especially since the talent traveled from Batangas.
The two later went to Poblacion, Makati together and returned to the hotel. The Talent alleged that on July 23 at 1:30 a.m., he was sexually assaulted by the program manager.
He added that he immediately reported the incident to the Ortigas Police sub-station, TV5's executives, and the HR management.
Despite this, Tulfo learned that the accused was still on duty, while the Talent said he was kicked out from the show and was given P5,000 by his executive producer.
Head of HR Rolly Santos said that they gave the accused a show cause order on Tuesday, Aug. 6 but have yet to receive a reply.
Tulfo also warned Santos that if they do not suspend the accused, he will call for a senate hearing to discuss the case.