Sandiganbayan Ends Sexual Harassment Case of Ex-NEDA Director
The Sandiganbayan has officially terminated the sexual harassment case against former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Jose Romeo Escandor after he completed four months of community service. This decision comes after the court fulfilled the necessary requirements tied to his sentence.
In a resolution dated July 4, the anti-graft court’s Third Division ordered the “final discharge” of Escandor and the dismissal of his case. This ruling also resulted in lifting the hold departure order against him.
Background of the Sexual Harassment Case
Back in October 2013, Escandor was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of sexually harassing a female employee at the NEDA Central Visayas regional office. The court sentenced him to six months in prison and imposed a fine of P20,000.
However, in January 2024, the Sandiganbayan reconsidered its earlier decision after Escandor requested to serve his sentence through community service instead of jail time. The court held a hearing on this application in March 2024.
Community Service Conditions and Completion
The court granted Escandor’s application in an order released on April 3, 2024. He was required to undergo pastoral service, assist in legal and economic programs in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, and participate in exit rehabilitative counseling coordinated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Escandor fulfilled his community service duties from June 1, 2024, to October 4, 2024. During this period, he reported bi-monthly to probation officer Danna Merisa Ebra and was barred from committing any crimes or associating with questionable individuals.
Final Termination of the Case
Following the completion of his service, the Sandiganbayan terminated the case based on reports from supervising officers, Cebu City’s DSWD Aftercare Program, and the Barangay Chairperson. Local leaders noted the successful fulfillment of all court-mandated conditions.
This resolution marks the official closure of the case, allowing Escandor to move forward without legal restrictions.
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