PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has given the Foreign Affairs department the go-signal to investigate the Philippines’ top envoy in Brazil for mistreating her Filipina domestic helper, according to the presidential palace.

“The President allowed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to investigate former Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro,” his spokesman Harry L. Roque told an online news briefing in Filipino on Thursday.

He said the agency needs presidential consent for the probe.

A compilation video has circulated showing Ms. Mauro repeatedly berating, slapping and pulling the ear of a female member of her household staff. The worker had since come home to the Philippines and was being taken care of by the DFA.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. recalled the diplomat for questioning over the incident. There was no announcement yet whether she would be sacked.

Mr. Roque said Mr. Duterte wanted justice for the worker as part of his campaign to protect migrant Filipino workers.

“It’s clear that the administration of President Duterte is doing everything to protect all Filipino workers abroad,” he said. “That includes the housemaid of Ambassador Mauro.”

Mr. Roque said the DFA could recommend administrative and criminal charges against Ms. Mauro depending on the results of its probe. — Gillian M. Cortez

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