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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila councilor accused of sexual harassment suspended for 60 days

Manila councilor accused of sexual harassment suspended for 60 days

Published Oct 17, 2025 09:16 am
Manila 4th District Councilor Ryan Ponce was suspended by the Manila City Council following its investigation on the sexual harassment allegations made by 4th District Councilor Eunice Castro against him last Oct. 9.
Manila 4th District Councilor Ryan Ponce
Manila 4th District Councilor Ryan Ponce
According to Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, the city council voted to suspend Ponce through the adoption of Resolution No. 393 on Thursday, Oct. 16.
In its committee report, the body said that it "finds credence to the allegation" made by Castro and emphasized that despite an apology from Ponce, a public official must be held accountable for his actions.
The Committee on Ethics also recommended the 60-day suspension against Ponce, the maximum penalty allowed under the council’s internal rules for such an offense. The council had approved reorganizing all committees where Ponce previously served as a member.
“Let this serve as a clear signal that this council takes its duties and ethical standards with seriousness and due process. This is also a reminder to everyone that this kind of complaint should not be taken lightly,” Atienza said.
Ponce's suspension will take effect 15 days after he receives the notice.
The committee's chairman, Councilor Jaybee Hizon, explained that its recommendation was based solely on facts presented during the privilege speeches and the official hearing.
"The City Council can only impose those penalties which are found inside of our internal rules of procedure," he explained during the session.
Because the complaint was initiated through a privilege speech and not a formal "verified complaint" as required by the Local Government Code for heavier sanctions, the council was bound by its own rules.
Hizon underscored the high standards expected of an elected official.
“City councilors, we are not considered regular citizens. We are mandated by the trust that was imposed upon us during our election. We are required to act in accordance with the proper ethical standards, not only inside the four corners of this session hall but also outside," Hizon stressed.
“Ang responsibilidad po natin na maging ehemplo po sa ating mga residente ay hindi po natatapos sa paglabas sa ating session (Our responsibility to be an example to our residents does not end with our exit from session)," he added.

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Ryan ponce manila city councilor sexual harassment chi atienza metro news Eunice castro
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