Manila councilor suspended for 60 days for harassment of colleague

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

According to a report on "24 Oras," Councilor Eunice Castro delivered a speech in the council and accused Ponce of harassing her.

Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza said that Ponce has apologized, but he must still be held accountable. 

“In its committee report, the body said that it ‘finds credence to the allegation’ by Hon. Eunice Castro and emphasized that despite an apology from Councilor Ponce, a public official must be held accountable for their actions,” said Atienza. 

The 60-day suspension will take effect 15 days after Ponce receives the notice, Atienza added. 

“Aside from being suspended, the council also approved reorganizing all committees where Ponce previously served as a member,” the vice mayor added. 

GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out for Ponce’s comment. –Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News