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Atalig grounded over sex charges
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Posted on Mar 24 1999
Felipe Q. Atalig, administrator of the Coastal Resources Management Office, has been suspended indefinitely by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio in swift reaction to allegations of sexual harassment brought against the official by his employee.
Administration sources disclosed yesterday that the governor wrote to Atalig putting him under administrative suspension Monday shortly after receiving reports about the sexual harassment incident.
However, Atalig will continue to receive his salary while the case is being heard.
Atalig, the first ranking Commonwealth official to be accused of sexual harassment under the Tenorio administration, was supposed to leave for Washington D.C. yesterday, but his travel request was turned down by the governor.
According to sources, Peter Barlas, former acting head of CRMO, was instead asked to represent the Northern Marianas in a conference at the US capital.
Charges of misconduct in public office, disturbing peace and assault and battery have been filed by Assistant Attorney General Marvin Williams against Atalig for initiating unlawful intimate contact without consent. The sexual harassment incident allegedly took place March 11 on Rota.
Dismayed by the reports, the governor issued strong warnings against government officials that his administration will tolerate such misconduct in public office and will not hesitate to take disciplinary actions against perpetuators.
Tenorio said as heads of departments and government agencies, officials must set good examples to employees as well as ensure that workplaces are safe from sexual harassment.
“This government demands leadership behavior that shows that employees will be treated with dignity and respect. The government cannot and will not tolerate behavior such as this by any government employee,” the CNMI leader said.
