ETC chief executive Philip Rizzo.

The Employment and Training Corporation head has apologised for “complimenting” a female official by saying she had “brains, boobs and balls”, describing the comment “facetious”.

ETC chief executive Philip Rizzo was embroiled in controversy last week after posting a comment on a recently-promoted department head’s Facebook wall.

Writing beneath a swimsuit photo of Olivia Farrugia, Mr Rizzo said: “This is the only ETC head of division with the three Bs… brains, boobs and balls! She’s a very capable lady.”

The statement raised eyebrows, not least from Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli who deemed the comment “unacceptable”.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo had also stepped in, issuing Mr Rizzo with a warning and banning him from using the social media. He stopped short, however, of demanding his resignation, despite criticism by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.

I recognise that the professional achievements of the individual concerned were achieved purely on her own merits

In a statement the NCPE said that “such comments are never acceptable. Such behaviour is condemnable not only at CEO level but at all levels.”

Mr Rizzo offered his “full and unreserved apologies” for his failure to foresee that the remark he had made on a senior colleague’s Facebook account had risked causing upset.

He said he was embarrassed to find himself in such a position and apologised both to the NCPE and to the public for “the bad example” he had “unwittingly” given.

“Finally, I wish to clarify that my remarks were not the result of or intended to show any favouritism and I recognise that the professional achievements of the individual concerned were achieved purely on her own merits,” he added.

Asked if he felt he should step down, Mr Rizzo said he did not think this was necessary. He said he had not been approached either by the NCPE or Dr Dalli and he had decided to have the “courage” to make a public apology after the issue had remained in the national spotlight.

Meanwhile, the NCPE said Mr Rizzo was tasked with ensuring an environment that promoted equality and respect for the rights and dignity of each and every individual working within the organisation.

Given Mr Rizzo’s executive position, he had the duty to act as a role model for other employees rather than exhibit unacceptable behaviour, the commission added.

Dr Dalli said last week the NCPE was powerless to take action against Mr Rizzo because Ms Farrugia had not filed a formal complaint.

Questions sent to the Education Ministry were not answered by the time of writing.