The House of Representatives has formally directed Quezon City 4th District Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay to issue a public apology to actress and television host Anne Curtis following controversial remarks he made during a congressional hearing earlier this year.
The decision came after the House adopted Committee Report No. 299 of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found Suntay guilty of disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress.
The report was approved by a vote of 263 lawmakers in favor, with eight opposed and seven abstaining.
The controversy stemmed from statements made by Suntay during a March 3, 2026 hearing of the House Committee on Justice, where lawmakers were discussing issues related to the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
During his remarks, Suntay argued that Duterte’s statement describing herself as a “designated survivor” was neither illegal nor criminal. To illustrate his point about thoughts and imagination not being punishable, he cited actress Anne Curtis as an example and made comments that drew immediate criticism from fellow lawmakers.
His remarks were later ordered stricken from the official records of the hearing.
However, the Ethics Committee ruled that removing the statements from the transcript did not erase their impact.
According to the committee report, Suntay’s remarks were inappropriate, offensive, sexist, and discriminatory toward women, and reflected negatively on the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives.
“After deliberation on the cases, the Committee found Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus ‘Bong’ C. Suntay guilty of disorderly behavior for uttering inappropriate or improper statements during the March 3, 2026 hearing of the House Committee on Justice, as well as for related statements made on social media,” the report stated.
The Ethics Committee, chaired by 4Ps Party-list Representative JC Abalos, recommended disciplinary action in the form of a formal reprimand under the committee’s rules.
In addition to the reprimand, the committee directed Suntay to render voluntary community service, attend a gender sensitivity seminar organized by the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, and issue a public apology to Anne Curtis and all women through a statement to be delivered before television or broadcast media.
The committee further emphasized that disrespectful and offensive remarks with sexual undertones have no place in legislative discussions.
The House also found that Suntay violated Section 141(a) of the House Code of Conduct, which requires lawmakers to act at all times in a manner that reflects creditably on the institution.
In addition, the report cited violations of Sections 4(A)(b) and (c) of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which require public officials to uphold professionalism, respect the rights of others, and observe good morals and proper conduct.
During the Ethics Committee proceedings, Suntay acknowledged making the remarks and apologized to those who were offended.
