MANILA 4th District Councilor Ryan Ponce has been suspended by the Manila City Council following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by 4th District Councilor Eunice Castro against him on October 9.
According to Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, the city council voted to suspend Ponce through the adoption of Resolution No. 393 on Thursday, October 16.
The council’s Committee on Ethics found “credence to the allegation” made by Castro and emphasized that a public official must be held accountable for his actions, despite Ponce’s apology. The committee recommended the 60-day suspension, the maximum penalty allowed under the council’s internal rules for such an offense.
The suspension will take effect 15 days after Ponce receives the notice. Committee chairman Councilor Jaybee Hizon explained that the recommendation was based solely on facts presented during the privilege speeches and the official hearing.
Hizon underscored the high standards expected of an elected official, stating, “City councilors, we are not considered regular citizens… 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.”
He emphasized that the responsibility to be an example to the residents does not end upon leaving the session hall.
