Lawmakers and public lambaste Rep. Bong Suntay over ‘lewd’ remarks on Anne Curtis; ethics complaint filed
Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay is facing widespread criticism from celebrities like Amy Perez and Ogie Alcasid, as well as an ethics complaint from women's rights advocates, for his controversial 'sexual desire' remarks about actress Anne Curtis made during a congressional hearing on VP Sara Duterte's impeachment. The incident highlights concerns over public officials' conduct and objectification of women.
Quezon City Representative Jesus Manuel "Bong" Suntay is facing a formal ethics investigation and widespread condemnation for making lewd remarks about actress Anne Curtis during a House justice committee hearing on March 3, 2026. The incident occurred during deliberations on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, where Suntay used his personal reaction to seeing Curtis as an analogy to argue that Duterte's controversial 'designated survivor' comments should not be criminalized. Suntay described seeing Curtis at a mall, stating she was 'so beautiful' and that 'may desire sa loob ko na nag-init talaga' (there was a desire in me and I felt the heat).
The remarks were immediately met with backlash from fellow lawmakers. Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora moved to strike the comments from the official record, noting their inappropriateness during National Women's Month, and the committee approved this motion. Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago condemned the comments as objectification and sexism, demanding a public apology. The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality also slammed the remarks as offensive.
On March 5, 2026, women's rights advocates formally filed an ethics complaint against Suntay, accompanied by Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago and former Rep. Liza Maza. The complaint cited Suntay's lack of genuine remorse despite his subsequent apology. The House of Representatives has launched a formal ethics probe, initiated after Rep. Matibag-Luna's privilege speech condemning the remarks as demeaning to women. No dissent was recorded in the House's decision to investigate.
Suntay has apologized 'to those offended,' insisting no malice was intended and highlighting his past advocacy work, including co-authoring the Gender and Development Code and Bawal Bastos Ordinance. In a March 5 interview, he acknowledged deserving the backlash and stated he would respect any House ethics actions. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also urged Suntay to apologize. The incident has sparked broader discussions about public officials' conduct, objectification of women, and potential violations of the Safe Spaces Act.
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