Female lawmakers unite against Suntay's lewd remarks on Anne Curtis
During International Women's Month, female lawmakers from both the majority and minority blocs united to condemn Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay's lewd remarks about actress Anne Curtis, leading to a House ethics complaint and highlighting broader issues affecting women.
The controversy began on March 3, 2026, during a House Justice Committee hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. Quezon City 4th District Representative Jesus "Bong" Suntay made lewd remarks about actress Anne Curtis while defending Duterte's violent rhetoric, using an analogy that alluded to imagining sexual acts with Curtis, which he described as causing him "sudden heat." The comments were immediately condemned as vulgar, sexualized, and objectifying toward women.
On March 5, 2026, the House plenary approved motions to refer the matter to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. Representative Ann Matibag, Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality, delivered a privilege speech condemning Suntay's remarks as disrespectful to women. Representative Ysabel Maria "Bel" Zamora of San Juan, Assistant Majority Leader, also supported the motion, authorizing an ethics hearing where Suntay must appear. Suntay apologized on the House floor, admitting it was the "wrong analogy" and expressing regret "if some people were offended," but denied malicious intent while facing accusations of offering a "non-apology."
Beyond the House ethics probe, multiple formal complaints were filed against Suntay. Nine women, including members of women's rights organizations, filed a complaint-affidavit with the Office of the Ombudsman on March 5, 2026, accusing Suntay of violating the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) against sexual harassment, the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Code of Conduct for Public Officials (RA 6713), and the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers. They labeled his comments a "declaration of predatory desire" and criticized his apology as "gaslighting." A separate women's group also filed administrative and criminal complaints under the Safe Spaces Act.
Anne Curtis issued a statement on March 7, 2026, slamming Suntay's remarks as disrespectful and objectifying, rejecting his apology, and urging the House ethics committee to take action. She cited family safety concerns from a Middle East trip as delaying her response but emphasized that silence would betray women, and she is consulting lawyers for potential legal action. Her attorney, Goreta Africaauton Saavedra, also denounced the comments. The incident occurred during International Women's Month, highlighting broader issues of gender-based harassment and the need for accountability in public discourse.
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