MANILA, Philippines – He is set to retire in 2013, but Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan Primavera has returned to the Philippines not necessarily to free himself from work-related worries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, June 6, said Primavera faces a sexual harassment case filed by his former maid.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said Primavera was recalled effective the end of May “to facilitate the hearing of the case.” Hernandez said the Commission on Decorum and Investigation will hear Primavera’s harassment case.

Primavera faces another case, according to Hernandez. This concerns his alleged illegal employment of the Filipina maid, an embassy ward.

“I would not like to speculate on the possible sanctions if found guilty,” Hernandez said.

Primavera’s maid, who hid under the name “Mabel,” claimed the diplomat tried on 3 separate occasions to engage in sexual relations with her. That was while she worked as a domestic helper at Primavera’s official residence.

Mabel added that Primavera hired her without a contract, because she was a runaway maid. The envoy paid her less than half the minimum wage approved by the government, according to Mabel.

Primavera, however, has said Mabel is lying. In an earlier interview, he said one of his enemies was using the maid to destroy his image. – Rappler.com