More celebrities have spoken out against the controversial remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay about actress and TV host Anne Curtis, which were delivered during a House Committee on Justice hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The comments sparked widespread backlash online and drew criticism from personalities in the entertainment and media industries.
Actress Jodi Sta Maria took to X to point out the impact of Suntay’s statement, stressing that even if the remark was not intended to be malicious, it still caused offense.
“The analogy wasn’t malicious said the person who made the remark. But the impact was clear…it made people, most especially women feel disgusted and disrespected.
“If that kind of analogy was used to make a point it clearly reveals the mindset of the person who said it.
“That’s not something we should normalize.”
‘It’s Showtime’ host Amy Perez also criticized the lawmaker’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of respecting women.
In one of her posts, she wrote: “Minsan lang ako mag salita at mag-react. Ngayon kung ang isasagot mo sa akin ay kabastusan din eh di para mo ng binastos ang nanay at tyahin mo. Tingin mo ma-proud sila sayo? Think again!”
Perez also stressed that the issue should not be politicized.
“Hindi ito usapin kung kakampink ka o dds ka o uniteam ka ang point ay may BABAE na nabastos sa isip at salita! Tanong lang ikaw gusto mo ba na yung Nanay mo, Ate mo, Tita mo at pinsan mo na babae ay pag isipan ng ganun? Wag nating piliting maging tama ang isang mali.”
Several other public figures also condemned the remarks.
Kapuso actress Gabbi Garcia wrote: “If you hold power, act like it. Objectifying women, even in passing remarks is unacceptable. We are not here to be reduced to someone’s imagination. NAKAKADIRI.”
Meanwhile, journalist Karen Davila called on the congressman to apologize.
“A congressman. A representative of the people. Paid by the people. A husband, a father with daughters. Without the consciousness, knowledge or decency of how women should be talked about. Please keep your sick thoughts to yourself.”
She added: “More than striking his comments off the record, he should apologize. Women’s Month pa talaga.”
The AKTOR also released a statement condemning the incident.
“Invoking a woman in a derogatory and sexualized manner in a formal public proceeding is deeply inappropriate and unacceptable. Regardless of intent, there is no justification for language that objectifies or degrades women — especially from those entrusted with public office.”
The organization added that the issue highlights the continuing need for gender sensitivity and accountability, especially during the observance of National Women’s Month.
During the House hearing, Suntay used Curtis as an example while discussing the concept of “designated survivor.”
He said: “Alam niyo, minsan, minsan nasa Shangri-La ako. Nakita ko si Anne Curtis. Ang ganda-ganda pala niya. You know, may desire sa loob ko na nag-init talaga, na-imagine ko na lang kung ano’ng pwedeng mangyari, pero siyempre hanggang imagination na lang ‘yon. Pero ‘di naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan kung ano ang na-imagine ko eh.”
Several lawmakers immediately objected to the remark and moved to have it stricken from the official records of the hearing.
As of writing, Anne Curtis has yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy.
