Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Allison Co

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779427498628641432960_919149354266515_8912623119675203533_n (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Photo from Ryan Ponce Facebook page</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila issued a resolution on May 12 recommending that Manila councilor Ryan Ponce face three counts of violating the Safe Spaces Act.</p><p>The resolution stemmed from a <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/16/manila-councilor-accuses-colleague-of-sexual-harassment-1511">complaint </a>filed by fellow councilor Eunice Castro, who accused Ponce of allegedly harassing her through sexually suggestive text messages and inappropriate touching on August 18, 2025, and September 18 and 29, 2025.</p><p>Castro earlier brought up the sexual harassment allegations against Ponce during her privilege speech at the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on October 9, 2025.</p><p>“Imbis na maayos na pagkamayan ang nangyari, kinamayan niya ako at dinutdot ang aking palad ng ilang beses, senyales na inaanyayahan niya akong makipagtalik sa kanya,” she said in her privilege speech.</p><p>Following the allegations, the Committee on Ethics imposed a 60-day suspension on Ponce on October 16.</p><p>Seven months later, an emotional Castro faced the media on Friday and said she welcomed the resolution, saying it affirmed the experience that made her feel belittled and degraded.</p><p>“I&#x27;m very, very happy and I hope this case will inspire not just one but thousands of us women,” Castro said.</p><p>“I may be okay physically, pero I&#x27;m really drowning with my thoughts…lagi sinasabi nila sa akin, sana hindi mo na kasi tinuloy. Sana hindi mo na nilaban, pero paano ko nang gagawin kung ako sa sarili ko nalulunod. Kaya kailangan kong tayuan,” she added.</p><p>Castro also revealed that other alleged victims of the councilor had reached out to her after she filed her complaint against Ponce.</p><p>“Meron po may mga nag-reach out sa akin ng mga nakaraan regarding yung mga na-experience din nila with him,” she said. “Kaya sa mga babaeng nanonood o nakikinig, lumaban kayo, tumayo kayo, kahit na parang kinakain na kayo ng damdamin ninyo. Kasi walang ibang tatayo at walang ibang lalaban sa inyo kung di kayo.”</p><p>Castro’s complaint of act of lasciviousness was denied however because of the lack of prima facie evidence.</p><p>In a statement released on Friday, Ponce said he respects the decision of the prosecutor and thanked the office for dismissing the acts of lasciviousness complaint against him. </p><p>“Ginagalang po natin ang naging pasya ng Piskalya. Nagpapasalamat tayo na na dismissed ang kasong Acts of Lasciviousness dahil nakita na walang sapat na batayan para rito,” he said.</p><p>Ponce added he would no longer comment on the issue. </p><p>“Habang may mga legal na prosesong dapat pang harapin kaugnay naman sa Safe Spaces Act, mas pinipili nating ituon ang ating panahon sa paglilingkod sa mga taga-Sampaloc at pagharap sa malalaking problema tulad ng illegal na droga,” he added in the statement. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/6/suntay-faces-complaint-under-safe-spaces-act-0956">Suntay faces complaint under Safe Spaces Act</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NAXsyS7TeBs?si=LYDsc38PP0Lxbv2s" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila issued a resolution on May 12 recommending that Manila City councilor Ryan Ponce face three counts of violating the Safe Spaces Act.</p>

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila issued a resolution on May 12 recommending that Manila City councilor Ryan Ponce face three counts of violating the Safe Spaces Act.

Manila prosecutors recommend charges vs city councilor over Safe Spaces Act violations

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Manila prosecutors recommend charges vs city councilor over Safe Spaces Act violations

Allison Co,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 22, 2026 01:35 PM PHT

|

Updated May 22, 2026 02:36 PM PHT

Read More:

Sexual Harassment

Manila Councilor

Eunice Castro

Ryan Ponce

Safe Spaces Act

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