Sandiganbayan dismisses sexual harassment case vs ex-Neda exec after community service completion

The Sandiganbayan has terminated a sexual harassment case against former National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) regional director Jose Romeo Escandor after he completed four months of community service.

The anti-graft court's Third Division ordered the final discharge of Escandor and the termination of his case, also lifting his hold departure order.

Escandor was initially found guilty in October 2013 of sexually harassing a female staffer and sentenced to six months in prison and a P20,000 fine.

In January 2024, the Sandiganbayan reconsidered its earlier decision, granting Escandor's request to serve his sentence through community service instead of imprisonment.

His community service, which included attending pastoral service, assisting in legal and economic programs in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, and undergoing exit counseling with the DSWD, was completed and confirmed.

The charges stemmed from a complaint by a female staff member who accused him of groping and sending lewd text messages.