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Manila prosecutor indicts councilor over violation of Safe Spaces Act

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May 22, 2026 · 1:36 PM
Manila prosecutor indicts councilor over violation of Safe Spaces Act

Manila prosecutor indicts councilor over violation of Safe Spaces Act | GMA News Online

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Manila prosecutor indicts councilor over violation of Safe Spaces Act

By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO, GMA News

Published May 22, 2026 1:37pm

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The Manila Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) has recommended filing charges against Manila councilor Ryan Ponce for violation of the Safe Spaces Act in connection to the alleged repeated harassment of councilor Eunice Castro.

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In a 9-page resolution, the OCP recommended Ponce to be charged with violation of Section 16, Paragraph (c) of the Safe Spaces Act on three counts.

Meanwhile, it dismissed the charge for violation of Section 12 of the Safe Spaces Act and Acts of Lasciviousness, stating there was no prima facie evidence for these crimes with reasonable certainty of conviction.

“In this case, it is evident that the complaint does not allege intimidating, or terrorizing conduct on the part of the respondent, an element required under Section 12,” the OCP said.

“Rather, the allegations are based on unwelcome and offensive behavior by respondent that creates a hostile or humiliating work environment,” it added.

Due to this, the OCP said there is prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Ponce of violation of the Safe Spaces Act over three incidents on August 18, 2025, September 18, 2025, and September 29, 2025.

On August 18, Ponce sent a message to Castro that read: “Good morning, sexy. Inaabangan ko ang suot mo at ang buhok mo.”

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On September 18, his message stated: “Psst sexy papasok ka na? … ayos… nami-miss ko na makakita ng sexy eh. Good morninggggg Sexy.” “Patingin muna ng good morning face at pantulog mo, para good morning talaga.”

The OCP said these constitute acts of sexual harassment.

“It should be noted that the respondent, a married man, directed said messages containing sexual undertones toward the complainant, a single woman. These messages were of a sexual nature and unwelcome,” it said.

“The conduct in question caused the complainant to experience offense, humiliation, and distress thereby constituting behavior that is inappropriate and unacceptable within the professional standards,” it added.

According to the OCP, Castro’s response of laughing emojis should not be interpreted as an indication that she was comfortable with the messages or that the sexual remark was acceptable.

“If the remark is sexual in nature and not welcomed, it constitutes a violation of the Safe Spaces Act,” it said.

“It is punishable regardless of the intent of the perpetrator or whether the victim verbally objects at the exact moment. The complainant's reaction may have been a polite gesture intended to avoid conflict, rather than a sign of genuine approval,” it added.

The OCP said Ponce poking Castro’s palm three times during a handshake is also considered a lewd gesture that conveys offensive sexual content or intent.

In October 2025, Castro emotionally disclosed during a council session that she has been repeatedly harassed by her fellow councilor, Ponce.

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, Castro confronted Ponce: "Shame on you for treating us women like objects! Wala naman akong pinakitang hindi maganda sa iyo, bakit mo ako binabastos? (I have not wronged you. Why are you harassing me?)

Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza had expressed full support for Castro, confirming that the issue has been referred to the Committee on Ethics for investigation.

Ponce was suspended for 60 days after a fellow member of the city council accused him of sexual harassment.

Atienza said that Ponce has apologized, but he must still be held accountable. — BAP, GMA News

Tags: Manila, councilor, Safe Spaces ACt

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