Actor Romnick Sarmenta has drawn attention online after posting a cryptic message criticizing politicians, which many netizens believe is connected to the ongoing controversy involving Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay and actress-host Anne Curtis.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarmenta appeared to call out public officials he described as turning governance into a joke.
“These… politicians. Everything is a joke – until you realise, they are the joke.”
He added: “And they aren’t even funny. Not in the slightest.”
Although Sarmenta did not mention any names, many social media users speculated that his remarks were directed at Suntay following the lawmaker’s controversial statements during a congressional hearing.
The controversy began during a hearing of the House Committee on Justice regarding the impeachment complaints against Sara Duterte.
During the discussion, Suntay cited a hypothetical example involving Anne Curtis.
“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, at na-imagine ko na lang kung ano ang puwedeng mangyari. Pero siyempre hanggang imagination lang ’yon,” he said.
Several lawmakers reportedly called out the remark for being unrelated to the hearing, and motions were raised to strike the statement from the official record.
Suntay later defended his statement, saying it was merely part of a fictional analogy meant to support his argument during the hearing.
“While may mga tao siguro that found the analogy in bad taste, doon sa mga na-offend, inuulit ko, walang malice doon sa ninais nating gawin doon sa statement na iyon.”
He also apologized to those who felt offended.
“Kung may nasaktan, humihingi tayo ng dispensa. Kay Ms. Anne Curtis din, kung nasaktan siya sa sinabi, uulitin ko, there was no malice intended.”
According to the congressman, the scenario he described was purely imaginary and not based on a real encounter.
Sarmenta joins a growing number of personalities who have reacted to the issue online. The remarks made during the hearing have sparked widespread criticism on social media, particularly as the country marks National Women’s Month, with many calling for greater respect toward women in public discourse.
As of writing, Anne Curtis has not issued a direct statement regarding the incident.
