The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office has elevated the sexual harassment complaint filed by television and radio personality Gretchen Fullido against ABS-CBN executives Cheryl Favila and Maricar Asprec to the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court.
The case was raffled off to Branch 32.
The prosecutor's office, in an information, said the duo violated Republic Act 7877 or An Act Declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful in the Employment, Education or Training Environment, and for Other Purposes.
The lower court has yet to determine the recommended bail.
Based on court records, Favila, Ecosystem Integrated News and Current Affairs Department head, and Asprec, segment producer, repeatedly asked for sexual favors from Fullido in 2015 until 2017.
According to Fullido, Favila was exercising "authority, influence or moral ascendancy" over her.
Favila was accused of asking Fullido to be her "Thursday Girl ," and that the TV executive would even text the TV host with messages of sexual undertones.
On the other hand, Asprec urged Fullido to be extra nice (lambingin) to them.
Fullido rejected the sexual advances on her, saying from then on, she started to experience a “hostile working environment” to her damage and prejudice.
“Their client felt vindicated, and they were ready and prepared to prove the sexual harassment charges against Favila and Aspre,” Fullido's lawyer Lorna Kapunan said.
“This could be a test case for the Philippine’s version of the #MeToo movement. It can inspire and encourage other victims of sexual wrongdoing in the workplace or in educational institutions to come forward and make aggressors and predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.
