Cristy Ramos ‘disgusted’ by dismissal of sexual harassment charges vs Azkals

Lexton Moy has been cleared of sexual harassment charges. AKTV/Jojo Lirio, Jr.

Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos has denounced the decision of the Philippine Football Federation Disciplinary Committee clearing members of the Philippine national men’s football team against sexual harassment charges she filed last March.

Ramos, who claimed that she was sexually harassed by Azkals members Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy in their locker room before their match, said that although she has not read decision of the disciplinary committee, the verdict only proves that the PFF “tolerates disrespectful behavior.”

“This decision says only one thing: they don’t care about the behavior and character of the players,” Ramos said in a News5 interview. “I’m truly disappointed and disgusted on the decision.”

Ramos added that through her complaint, she also wants to clear the image of the Azkals, who represent the country in international competitions.

“You know what, they carry the flag of the country. They should have respect and proper behavior while in (other) countries and in front of match officials,” Ramos said. “It is a matter of protecting the integrity of the sport of football. If they allow the ‘bastusan’ to go on, that’s their choice.”

Ramos also believes that the length of time it took for the committee to come up with a decision- six months – also influenced the verdict against her.

“I filed the complaint last March and this is August,” Ramos said. “I feel that the PFF took a cowardly approach to the matter and let this drag for some time.”

Ramos added that the disciplinary committee does not have at least one female member. When asked about possibly appealing the decision, she didn’t answer directly.

“The PFF has the disciplinary committee, they don’t have the ethics committee or the appeals committee,” Ramos said.

The disciplinary committee, headed by lawyer Enrico Ingles, functions independently from the PFF.

Last March, Ramos filed charges against Moy and Guirado, both of whom, she claimed, sexually harassed her while conducting a locker room check as a match commissioner before their game against Malaysia last March.

In a statement released Friday night, Azkals manager Dan Palami said that the PFF disciplinary committee has found no evidence regarding Ramos’ complaint.

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