THE Manila City Council Committee on Ethics is investigating a sexual harassment complaint against Councilor Ryan Ponce following the emotional disclosure of 4th District Councilor Eunice Castro during their session on Thursday, October 9.
According to Castro, she had repeatedly experienced harassment from Ponce, including inappropriate jokes and messages with malicious intent.
“Shame on you for treating us women like an object,” Castro said during the session.
“Hindi ba matanggap ng ego mo na katrabaho ang isang babae sa loob ng plenaryang ito kaya gusto mong binabastos kami para ma-uplift ang pagkalalaki mo?! Wala naman akong ipinakitang hindi maganda sa iyo, bakit mo ako binabastos?” she added angrily.
Castro also revealed that it wasn’t the first time Ponce behaved inappropriately toward her. “Imbes na maayos na pagkamayan ang mangyari, kinamayan niya ako at dinutdot ang aking palad nang ilang beses,” she said.
She presented text messages allegedly from Ponce that contained remarks about her clothes and appearance.
Vice Mayor and presiding officer Chi Atienza assured that the council will not take the issue lightly. She said Ponce could face administrative and criminal charges under the Civil Service Laws, the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, and Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act if found guilty.
Ponce, for his part, apologized to Castro during the same session, saying he had no intention of hurting or offending anyone.
