What began as a controversial remark inside a congressional hearing has now erupted into a full-blown public storm, with actress and television host Anne Curtis declaring she will explore legal action against Quezon City 4th District Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay.
Curtis broke her silence Saturday through a strongly worded Instagram post, rejecting what she described as the lawmaker’s “non-apology” after her name was dragged into a controversial analogy during a House panel deliberation earlier this week.
“I do not accept your non-apology,” Curtis wrote. “But I also will not carry this as a personal wound. I will be seeking legal advice and will consider all my options moving forward.”
The statement came days after Suntay sparked outrage during a committee hearing when he attempted to defend Vice President Sara Duterte’s past remark about “imagining” violence against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In his attempt to illustrate the difference between imagination and intent, the lawmaker invoked Curtis’ name in a comparison that critics quickly condemned as inappropriate and objectifying.
Curtis said hearing her name used in such a context left her “hurt,” “disturbed,” and “angry,” describing the analogy as disrespectful and deeply offensive.
“My name was disgustingly used without my consent, in the wrong context, and more importantly, without an ounce of respect,” she said.
The actress also stressed that the issue goes beyond a single remark, framing the incident as part of a larger problem about how women are discussed and treated—especially by those in positions of power.
“What happened to me isn’t rare,” she said. “It happens to women every day — in offices, in group chats, in rooms where men think no one is listening, or worse, in rooms where they know everyone is and simply don’t care.”
What made the situation particularly alarming, Curtis added, was that the comment came from someone occupying public office.
“You hold a seat paid by taxpayers. Women are taxpayers. I am a taxpayer. We are not props in your commentary,” she wrote, adding that leaders who fail to respect women ultimately fail to understand what leadership means.
Her statement quickly ignited conversations online, with many netizens praising the actress for speaking out while others called for accountability inside Congress.
Curtis also urged lawmakers not to quietly sweep the issue aside, directly appealing to the House Committee on Ethics to investigate the matter.
“Do not let this pass,” she said. “The integrity of public office depends on the standards it upholds.”
The controversy has already spilled into formal proceedings. Several members of the House of Representatives have reportedly pushed for an ethics investigation into Suntay’s remarks, while women’s organizations have filed complaints accusing the lawmaker of violating the Safe Spaces Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the code of conduct expected from public officials.
In an unexpected twist to the unfolding drama, Suntay’s wife, Shiela Guevara-Suntay, issued a public apology to Curtis and her family, saying she does not condone the analogy used by her husband.
Curtis responded with grace toward the apology, making it clear that the lawmaker’s family should not bear the burden of the controversy.
“This is not your shame,” she said. “They did nothing wrong, and they deserve to be left out of it entirely.”
Still, the actress made it clear that the issue itself is far from over. With legal options now on the table and public pressure mounting, the controversy surrounding the lawmaker’s remarks continues to ripple through both the political and entertainment worlds — raising questions about accountability, respect, and the boundaries of speech inside the halls of power.
