Ombudsman to pursue probe vs Mocha Uson

FILE: Former Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson. (Photo: MOCHA USON BLOG/Facebook)

Even after Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson resigned as assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), this will not make any impact on the investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman on the complaints filed against her.

This was confirmed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires to reporters on Thursday, October 4, saying that they will continue their probe despite Uson’s resignation.

The Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD) earlier filed a complaint against Uson and Olivar for violating the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons over their video, adding that Uson also violated Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

This came after Uson uploaded a video on her Facebook page wherein Olivar was seen imitating sign language and making sounds supposedly made by a hearing-impaired person, while Uson could be heard laughing in the background.

Aside from the PFD, the two also earned the ire of netizens, various groups, and even some government officials for making fun of sign language.

In a letter signed by Assistant Ombudsman Joselito Fangon from the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office (FIO), Uson was ordered to “submit a written explanation/comment” on the complaints lodged against her within 10 days upon receipt.

Uson was also asked to explain her and Olivar’s controversial video mocking sign language and their “‘lewd federalism jingle’ video purportedly as part of the government’s campaign for federalism information dissemination.”

According to Martires, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar was also asked to explain.

“We issued an order requiring her (Uson) and Andanar to file comments,” he said.

The letter was dated September 28, the same day Uson tendered her resignation but only announced to the public her decision on Wednesday in a Senate hearing on the PCOO budget for 2019.

In announcing her resignation, Uson said she is making a ‘sacrifice’ for the swift approval of PCOO’s budget proposal for the next year.