MANILA – (UPDATED) Assistant Solicitor General Derek Puertollano was arrested in the United States for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy.

Puertollano was on official business in Washington D.C. for a seminar on international arbitration.

Court records showed that Puertollano was charged with "misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child or minor" on November 19.

He posted a bond to gain temporary freedom, but cannot leave the US as he was ordered to surrender all his passports 48 hours to pretrial services.

A stay away order has also been filed against him.

A hearing under Judge William Jackson has been set on December 9 at 9:30 a.m. (US time).

During his arraignment on November 19, Puertollano, represented by his lawyer Charles Murdter, pleaded not guilty.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington said it has extended assistance to Puertollano following his arrest.

"The embassy was made aware of this case and has been extending appropriate assistance," said Third Secretary and Vice Consul Darell Ann Artates.

"We understand that information from the court proceedings including bail conditions are in the public record," Artates said.