17/10/2025
PRESS RELEASE | MANILA CITY COUNCIL TAKES SWIFT ACTION ON HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST COUNCILOR
Acting swiftly on an ethics complaint, the 13th City Council of Manila, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, suspended one of its own members for misconduct on Thursday, October 16, through the adoption of Resolution No. 393.
The council's action was just one week after Hon. Eunice Castro delivered a privilege speech on October 9, detailing allegations of harassment against Hon. Kuya Ryan Ponce.
As presiding officer, Atienza ensured the proceedings were both fast and fair by passing the resolution without delay.
“Let this serve as a clear signal that this council takes its duties and ethical standards with seriousness and due process,” Atienza said in a statement.
“This is also a reminder to everyone that this kind of complaint should not be taken lightly,” she added.
In its committee report, the body said that it "finds credence to the allegation" made by Hon. Eunice Castro and emphasized that despite an apology from Councilor Ponce, a public official must be held accountable for their actions.
The Committee on Ethics also recommended the 60-day suspension, the maximum penalty allowed under the council’s internal rules for such an offense.
Aside from being suspended, the council also approved reorganizing all committees where Ponce previously served as a member.
Councilor Atty. Jaybee Hizon, meanwhile, who chaired the investigation, laid out the legal and ethical basis for the council's decision in suspending Councilor Ponce. He stressed that the committee's recommendation was based solely on facts presented during the privilege speeches and the official hearing.
Councilor Hizon also clarified why the 60-day suspension was the maximum penalty. "The City Council can only impose those penalties which are found inside of our internal rules of procedure," he explained during the session. Also 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.
He then 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,” Hizon said. “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.”
“Ang responsibilidad po natin na maging ehemplo po sa ating mga residente ay hindi po natatapos sa paglabas sa ating session,” he added.
The resolution stipulates that the 60-day suspension and all other actions outlined in the committee report will formally take effect fifteen days after Councilor Ponce receives the notice.
Furthermore, the city council reiterated its commitment to upholding the ethical standards for all its members to maintain public trust.
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