MANILA – The Manila Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) has recommended the filing of charges against Manila Councilor Ryan Ponce for alleged violation of the Safe Spaces Act in connection with complaints of repeated harassment raised by Councilor Eunice Castro.

In a media report, it said that in a 9-page resolution, the OCP said Ponce should be charged with three counts of violating Section 16, Paragraph (c) of the Safe Spaces Act.

However, the prosecutor’s office dismissed charges under Section 12 of the same law and a separate case for acts of lasciviousness, saying there was no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction for these allegations.

“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.

The OCP said there is sufficient basis to indict Ponce for three alleged incidents dated August 18, September 18, and September 29, 2025.

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

On September 18, he reportedly sent messages stating: “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 the messages constituted 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.

The prosecutor’s office also said Castro’s use of laughing emojis should not be interpreted as consent or acceptance of the remarks.

“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 also cited an incident where Ponce allegedly poked Castro’s palm three times during a handshake, describing it as a lewd gesture conveying sexual intent.

The complaint stemmed from Castro’s earlier disclosure during a city council session in October 2025, where she said she had repeatedly experienced harassment from a fellow councilor.

“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?)” Castro said in a televised report.

Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza has expressed support for Castro and said the matter has been referred to the Committee on Ethics for investigation.

Ponce was earlier suspended for 60 days following a separate sexual harassment complaint. He has reportedly apologized but is still expected to face accountability proceedings.