Manila councilor indicted for Safe Spaces Act violation

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May 24, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city prosecutor’s office has ordered the filing of three counts of violation of the Safe Spaces Act against Councilor Ryan Ponce for the alleged harassment of his colleague, Eunice Castro.

In a nine-page resolution, the city prosecutor ruled that there is enough evidence to support the filing of charges against Ponce over three incidents between August and September last year.

Castro complained that Ponce sent sexually suggestive text messages and touched her inappropriately in some instances last year.

She cited a text message sent on Aug. 18, 2025 that read: “Good morning, sexy. Inaabangan ko ang suot mo at ang buhok mo (I was watching out for your hair and dress).”

Another message, allegedly sent on Sept. 18, 2025, read: “Psst sexy papasok ka na?…ayos…nami-miss ko na makakita ng sexy eh. Good morninggggg sexy (Psst sexy, are you off to work? Good. I really miss seeing someone sexy)” and “Patingin muna ng good morning face at pantulog mo, para good morning talaga (Let me see your good morning face and sleepwear so it would really be a good morning).”

In a privilege speech in October, Castro said Ponce once poked her hand, instead of a proper handshake, and made a gesture to invite her to have sex with him.

“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,” the resolution read in part.

The city prosecutor noted that Castro suffered humiliation and distress because of Ponce’s actions.

Castro welcomed the decision, saying she was emotional when she received it.

“Thank you so much to those who believed. This is not just my fight, this is also the fight of all women,” Castro said in Filipino.

Ponce said he respects the prosecutor’s decision and refused to comment further.

He thanked the office for dismissing the acts of lasciviousness charge, which the prosecutor found to lack evidence.

The Manila city council imposed a 60-day suspension on Ponce for the allegations raised by Castro against him on Oct. 16.