MANILA, Philippines — Leading women’s rights advocates have officially filed an ethics complaint before the House of Representatives against Quezon City Rep. Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay. The complaint stems from “lewd” and “risqué” remarks the lawmaker made about actress Anne Curtis during a formal impeachment hearing.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a House justice committee hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
- The Analogy: In an attempt to defend Duterte’s “designated survivor” comment as a mere joke, Suntay shared a personal story about seeing Anne Curtis in public.
- The Quote: Suntay said, “She is really beautiful. You know, a desire inside me welled up. I felt the heat, and I just imagined what could happen. But, of course, that is only my imagination. I think I cannot be charged for what I was able to imagine.”
The complainants, which include leaders from Gabriela National Alliance, Gabriela Youth, and Koalisyong Makabayan, argue that Suntay’s behavior violates several laws and standards:
- Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710): Aimed at eliminating discrimination and protecting women’s dignity.
- Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313): Also known as the “Bawal Bastos” law, which penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces and online.
- Code of Conduct for Public Officials: Violating the high standard of behavior expected of an elected representative.
Former Rep. Liza Maza and current Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago criticized Suntay’s subsequent apology as a “nonapology” that lacked sincerity.
- Proposed Penalties: The groups are calling for the House Ethics Committee to suspend Suntay, impose a fine, or require him to undergo mandatory gender-sensitivity training—something Suntay previously claimed he did not need.
- Call for Reform: Rep. Elago emphasized that such comments “normalize harassment” and highlighted the need for stronger reporting systems within the House.