Mayor Greg Gasataya has upheld his earlier decision to dismiss a Bacolod City College (BCC) instructor for sexually harassing a student.
The mayor announced on Monday, Sept. 22, that the instructor’s motion for reconsideration was denied for lack of merit.
Gasataya affirmed his July 22 decision that found the instructor guilty of sexual harassment, which carried the penalty of dismissal from service, perpetual disqualification from public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and cancellation of civil service eligibility.
The instructor exploited his “position of moral ascendancy and authority over a student in a vulnerable academic position”, Gasataya said.
The mayor added that the instructor’s actions “caused undue distress to the complainant and undermined the integrity of the institution he represents.”
The BCC instructor was found guilty of the grave offense of requesting sexual favors in exchange for a passing grade and favorable academic conditions.
The mayor also found the instructor guilty of light offenses, including unwelcome inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life, and unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances, and propositions.*