Actress and television host Anne Curtis has finally broken her silence on the controversy involving Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay, criticizing the lawmaker and condemning what she described as a broader culture of misogyny.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Curtis said she initially chose to remain silent because she was focused on reuniting with her family who had been stranded in the Middle East. Now that she has returned to the Philippines, she said she felt compelled to speak up.
“Not for revenge or drama, but because remaining silent would be wrong… for me, and for every woman watching.”
Curtis described the analogy made by Suntay during a House Committee on Justice hearing as inappropriate and disrespectful.
“A vulgar, sexualized analogy. My name disgustingly used without my consent, in the wrong context, and more importantly, without an ounce of respect.”
She admitted that the remarks initially left her shocked and angry.
“My initial reaction was one of shock. I was hurt, disturbed by how perverted it was, and angry.”
The actress also pointed out that such experiences are not unique to her.
“What happened to me isn’t rare. 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.”
Curtis said the issue goes beyond one person and reflects a larger cultural problem.
“Mr. Suntay, I won’t spend much time on you. Not because what you did was small, but because this was never really about you. Since you used me as an example, let me use you as one too. You’ve become the poster boy of something much bigger: a culture that still thinks it’s acceptable to talk about women this way.”
She emphasized that misogyny cannot be dismissed as humor.
“As they say, misogyny dressed up as a joke is still misogyny. You hold a seat paid for by taxpayers. Women are taxpayers. I am a taxpayer. We are not props in your commentary.”
Curtis said she does not accept the apology issued by Suntay, but acknowledged the apology from his wife, Shiela Guevara-Suntay.
“I do not accept your non-apology. But I also will not carry this as a personal wound. I do, however, accept your wife’s apology.”
She also asked the public to spare Suntay’s family from the backlash, saying they should not be blamed for the controversy.
Curtis called on authorities to review the incident and emphasized that the issue is about leadership and respect for women.
“Any leader who cannot respect women does not understand leadership at all.”
She also revealed that she is consulting legal counsel and may consider further action.
“I will be seeking legal advice and will consider all my options moving forward.”
Curtis ended her statement by thanking those who spoke out in support and highlighting the importance of continuing conversations about gender respect.
“To everyone who used their voice to stand up for us and fight for our respect, both men and women, THANK YOU. And if anyone is wondering why Women’s Month still matters — this is exactly why.”
