A storm of criticism erupted this week after actress and television host Anne Curtis became the subject of controversial remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay during a congressional hearing, prompting her legal team to issue a strong public condemnation.
In a statement released on March 6, the law firm Gorriceta, Africa, Cauton & Saavedra firmly denounced the lawmaker’s comments, calling them “clearly inappropriate and unacceptable.” The lawyers stressed that the incident goes beyond a single remark and reflects a broader issue about how women are spoken about in public spaces—especially in institutions tasked with upholding dignity and respect.
The firm underscored Curtis’ long-standing reputation in the entertainment industry and her standing as one of the country’s most recognizable public figures. According to the statement, the actress has built her career on professionalism and integrity, earning the trust of audiences both on and off screen.
“Ms. Anne Curtis-Smith has built her career and public life on professionalism, integrity, and respect for others,” the law firm said. “Over the years, she has earned the goodwill and trust of the public through her work and through the way she conducts herself both on and off screen.”
The controversy traces back to a March 3 hearing of the House Committee on Justice tackling impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. During the proceedings, Suntay attempted to illustrate a legal argument by narrating a personal anecdote involving Curtis, describing a moment when he allegedly saw the actress at a hotel and imagined sexual scenarios involving her.
The remark immediately drew reactions inside and outside the hearing room, with members of the committee later striking the statement from the official congressional record. Critics argued that the comment was not only irrelevant to the proceedings but also deeply disrespectful.
Curtis’ lawyers emphasized that sexualized commentary about women—whether they are celebrities or private individuals—should never be tolerated in public discourse. They pointed out that such language diminishes women and reinforces harmful attitudes that Philippine laws have long sought to address.
“No woman—whether a public figure or a private citizen—should be publicly spoken about in a way that reduces her to the subject of sexual commentary,” the statement said. “Statements of this nature are degrading and have no place in any forum, much less in proceedings of Congress where public officials are expected to uphold the dignity of others.”
The legal team also cited key legislation such as the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313) and the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710), both of which aim to promote gender respect and penalize sexist or degrading behavior.
Adding to the controversy was the timing of the incident, which occurred during the Philippines’ observance of National Women’s Month. Curtis’ lawyers noted that the episode serves as an unfortunate reminder of the challenges women continue to face in being treated with dignity in public life.
“Let this moment serve as a reminder that women deserve respect everywhere,” the statement concluded. “Language that demeans or objectifies women has no place in public discourse, particularly in spaces where words carry the weight of public trust.”
Following the backlash, Suntay publicly apologized for his remarks during an interview with broadcaster Karen Davila on ANC. The congressman acknowledged that the analogy should never have been used and admitted that he understood why the comment triggered widespread criticism.
“I apologize to those who were hurt,” Suntay said. “That analogy should not have been made. If people want to judge my entire character based on that statement and overlook everything I’ve done in public service since 1998, I cannot fault them.”
The lawmaker added that he expected the public backlash, saying he accepted responsibility for the mistake.
The issue has also drawn reactions from public figures and advocates, with journalists Karen Davila and Bianca Gonzalez among those who criticized the remarks. Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Anne’s sister, also expressed her outrage online, calling the comment “disgusting.”
Meanwhile, Suntay’s wife, Sheila Guevara, issued a separate apology addressed directly to Curtis and her family. In a statement, she said no woman should ever be spoken about in such a manner and emphasized that respect and dignity for women are values she holds deeply.
Despite the apology, the controversy is far from over. Several organizations and advocates have already filed complaints against the congressman, citing possible violations of the Safe Spaces Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the code of conduct for public officials.
Among the complainants are women’s rights advocates and labor groups, including representatives from WMW-Pilipinas and SENTRO-Women, who argue that public officials must be held accountable for language that reinforces sexism in institutions of power.
As the debate continues, the incident has sparked a broader national conversation about accountability, respect for women, and the standards expected of those occupying the country’s highest public offices.