Manila 4th District Councilor Ryan Ponce has been suspended for 60 days following a city council investigation into sexual harassment allegations filed by fellow 4th District Councilor Eunice Castro.
The Manila City Council adopted Resolution No. 393 on Thursday, Oct. 16, formalizing Ponce’s suspension after its Committee on Ethics found merit in Castro’s complaint, which was filed on Oct. 9.
According to Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, the council emphasized that public officials must be held accountable for misconduct, regardless of apologies issued.
The 60-day suspension is the maximum penalty allowed under the council’s internal rules for such offenses.
In addition to the suspension, the council approved a reorganization of all committees where Ponce previously held membership.
“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. (Patrick Garcia)
