Filipina stars back Anne Curtis after statement on Bong Suntay's remark
Anne Curtis has publicly addressed the viral controversy surrounding Bong Suntay's remark, drawing overwhelming support from her celebrity peers and other women in the industry who stand in solidarity with her.
The controversy began on March 3, 2026, during a House Justice Committee hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay made lewd remarks about actress Anne Curtis while defending Duterte's 'designated survivor' and hitman comments, using Curtis as an analogy by verbalizing his 'imagination' or apparent desire for her. Committee members immediately called out Suntay's inappropriate comments, and the remarks were struck from the official record of the hearing. The incident sparked immediate backlash from lawmakers, with Gabriela party-list Representative Sarah Elago condemning the remarks as objectification of women and demanding a public apology.
On March 6, 2026, nine women filed a complaint-affidavit with the Ombudsman against Suntay, accusing him of violating the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and the Code of Ethics for public officials. An ethics complaint was also filed with the House Ethics Committee. The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality issued an official condemnation of Suntay's remarks, highlighting the sexist and objectifying nature of his comments during Women's Month.
Anne Curtis, who was back in the Philippines after a Middle East trip, responded publicly on March 7, 2026, rejecting what she called Suntay's 'non-apology.' In her statement, Curtis expressed that she does not accept his apology and expects accountability for his vulgar and objectifying remarks. She characterized the incident as symptomatic of misogyny and announced plans to seek legal advice while urging the ethics committee to take action. Curtis also thanked supporters who stood with her against misogynists during Women's Month.
Suntay defended his comments as a non-malicious 'analogy' and expressed regret only 'if some people were offended,' maintaining that his remarks were neither illegal nor immoral. He conceded that he deserved the backlash but did not issue a formal public apology to Curtis. The controversy has drawn widespread condemnation from women's rights advocates and lawmakers, though available sources do not specifically mention public support from other Filipina celebrities or stars backing Curtis in this particular incident as of March 2026.
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