MANILA — Women’s rights advocates have filed an ethics complaint against Quezon City 4th District’s Cong. Bong Suntay following remarks he made about actress Anne Curtis during a House hearing, a controversy that has now escalated into a formal case before the House of Representatives.
The complaint was lodged Thursday with the backing of Gabriela’s Cong. Sarah Elago, who accompanied the complainants in filing the case.
The move came a day after the House directed Suntay to appear before the House Committee on Ethics to explain statements he made during Tuesday’s committee hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
During the hearing, Suntay narrated an encounter with Curtis at a shopping mall, describing the actress as “so beautiful” and saying that “may desire sa loob ko na nag-init talaga.”
The remarks quickly drew criticism from women’s groups and several personalities, with critics describing the statement as inappropriate and offensive.
Suntay later issued an apology to those who felt offended but maintained that he did not intend any wrongdoing.
“There was no malice intended. And if malice is inferred from my statement, I wish to apologize to those hurt or offended,” he said.
The lawmaker also cited his past efforts in promoting policies aimed at protecting women, noting that he helped author the Gender and Development Code and the Bawal Bastos Ordinance when he was still a Quezon City councilor.
He added that he is prepared to face the consequences of his remarks.
“If my colleagues wish to judge me for one statement I made, that is their right. I respect that right,” he added.
Former Gabriela party-list congresswoman Liza Maza said the complaint was filed because Suntay failed to show sufficient remorse for his comments.
“Pag-aralan niya ang batas kasi mambabatas siya,” Maza told reporters after filing the complaint.
“Dahil mambabatas siya, dapat mas mabigat ang parusa niya kaysa sa ibang tao,” Maza said./PN
