Manila council urges restraint amid harassment issue

Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza is calling for restraint in public opinion regarding a sexual harassment accusation made by a city councilor against a male colleague, stating that the matter is now under formal investigation.

The issue arose when Fourth District Councilor Eunice Castro publicly confronted fellow Fourth District Councilor Ryan Ponce during a city council session, detailing multiple instances of alleged harassment.

Atienza, who presides over the city council, said the matter has been referred to the Committee on Ethics and Good Government and will be reviewed by the city legal office.

The review will look into possible administrative complaints under civil service laws, the Code of Conduct for public officials, and a probable violation of the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313).

“I call on everyone, especially our friends in the media, to allow the process to take its course,” Atienza said in a statement.

“Let us respect the rights and dignity of both the complainant and the respondent,” she added.

She also expressed full support for Castro, confirming that the council will cooperate fully with any independent investigation.

“I stand with Councilor Eunice Castro and believe that what she has said... is admirable, as she has fought to have all the abused women’s voices heard,” Atienza said. “In our society where women are bound to endure their pain in silence, finally, there is a woman who stands for them.”

To recall, Castro directly addressed Ponce, accusing him of repeated inappropriate behavior.