MANILA, Philippines - Alliance of Volunteer Educator Party-List Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay now risks separate criminal and ethics complaints before the Ombudsman and the House of Representatives over his alleged verbal abuse and conduct against an employee of the Philippine Airlines (PAL).

The complaints stem from an incident involving PAL Customer Service Agent 3 Sara Bonnin Ocampo last December 17.

Holding back tears, Ocampo emotionally recalled before media at the Club Filipino today that on that day, Magsaysay approached her while he was  waiting at the Mabuhay Lounge to board a flight to Los Angeles, California, USA.

Magsaysay requested Ocampo to sit him beside his son in the flight, but ticketing had seated them apart.

Ocampo politely declined the request, citing that the flight was full and no seat beside his son could be given to him.

It was then that Magsaysay allegedly told her to keep her cool, but at the same time repeatedly started calling her a “menopausal bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch” several times.

Magsaysay allegedly  also looked at her sternly, which made her uncomfortable. Ocampo asked Magsaysay not to call her names, and told him that she will call security then walked away.

She said that while she did not call security, Magsaysay later approached her and introduced himself as a congressman. He also threatened to get her fired and have Congress investigate her.

Ocampo condemned the incident and alleged arrogance of the lawmaker, saying she does not deserve such treatment from a government official especially since she pays her taxes.

She also said the government now frowns at VIP treatment and influence peddling.  “Hindi ba bawal ang wang-wang [car sirens] ngayon?” she asked.

Ocampo has been on the job for 18 years and is a widow. “My job is to put food on the table," she told reporters.

Complaints are going to be filed by Ocampo through her lawyer,  Artemio Amon, who will collaborate with Attorney Evalyn Ursua, a lawyer who has been helping women who are victims of abuse.

Ocampo is a member of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA), which will join the filing of cases against Magsaysay. This is according to PALEA Secretary-General Judy Ann Miranda. Miranda also called on all service workers to stand up to Magsaysay’s alleged behavior.

For her part, PALEA Women’s Committee Head Ginalyn Licayan said in a statement" “We would like to seek justice for all aviation workers who are constantly experiencing disrespect and abuse from airline customers especially abusive politicians and government officials.”

PALEA had a picket outside Club Filipino near Magsaysay’s office in San Juan City  to protest the party-list congressman's behavior.