BACOLOD City — A city councilor here has expressed concern over recent remarks made by Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay involving actress Anne Curtis during a congressional hearing.
Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on women, gender and family, said that regardless of intent, comments that imagine or allude to scenarios involving a woman in a public setting contribute to a broader culture of objectification.
“Impact matters,” Flor said in a statement. “Words spoken by public officials carry weight. They help shape what society considers acceptable behavior.”
Flor underscored that Bacolod City’s Safe Spaces Ordinance clearly affirms that sexist and degrading remarks have no place in public discourse, particularly when they come from individuals in positions of authority.
She added that public service requires discipline, respect, and accountability at all times.
“We must choose dignity over defensiveness and uphold the standard that women deserve — always,” she stressed.
Suntay was reportedly called out on Tuesday by several colleagues over what they described as lewd remarks about Curtis while he was attempting to make a point during a hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The incident has drawn reactions from fellow lawmakers and members of the public, reigniting discussions on appropriate conduct and gender sensitivity in official proceedings./PN
