MANILA, Philippines — A growing list of celebrities criticized Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay for remarks he made about actress-host Anne Curtis at a House justice committee hearing, saying his statements reduced women to objects and fell short of the standards expected of public officials.
During a March 3 hearing, Suntay recounted seeing Curtis and said he felt “desire” and imagined “what could happen,” stressing that it remained only in his thoughts.
“Na-imagine ko na lang kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari. Pero syempre, hanggang imagination na lang ’yon. Hindi naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan dahil kung anu-ano ’yong na-imagine ko (I just imagined what could possibly happen. But of course, it stayed in my imagination. Surely I can’t be charged for whatever it was that I imagined),” he said.
San Juan Lone District Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora moved to have Suntay’s remarks stricken from the record. But in subsequent interviews, Suntay said he stood by his analogy but apologized to those who were offended, especially as the incident occurred during Women’s Month. He maintained there was “nothing malicious” in his statement and said any offense depended on how it was interpreted.
However, prominent figures in entertainment and media denounced Suntay, saying the remarks were misogynistic and unbecoming of a public official.
Curtis’ sister, actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, issued a lengthy statement on Facebook, saying the issue went beyond one individual.
“This moment is not about one female celebrity. It is about how ALL WOMEN, regardless of profession, continue to be reduced to bodies in spaces dominated by men in power. When a congressman publicly narrates his ‘desire’ and imagination about a woman he once saw (or dreams he saw, idk his statements keep changing), it reinforces a culture that treats women as consumable, as spectacle, as fantasy, as objects for commentary rather than as whole human beings with agency, intellect, and autonomy,” she wrote.
She said public officials have a responsibility to elevate discourse and not reduce women to “imagined scenarios,” adding that accountability must begin with those elected to represent the public.
“The halls of government should be spaces where women are discussed for their contributions, their ideas, and their leadership - not as imagined scenarios. We cannot continue excusing this as ‘just being honest’ or ‘just a compliment.’ It is neither. Respect is not complicated. If we want safer environments for our daughters, nieces, and future leaders, accountability must begin with those elected to represent us,” she added.
Broadcast journalist Karen Davila called on Suntay to apologize, writing that a congressman and father of daughters should know “how women should be talked about.”
“Please keep your sick thoughts to yourself. More than striking his comments off the record, he should apologize. Women’s Month pa talaga,” Davila said.
Television host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal urged the public not to normalize such behavior, calling the remarks “disgusting” and criticizing what she described as a lack of remorse.
Actress Angel Locsin reacted to a video of the exchange on Instagram, while Nadine Lustre wrote, “may mga nakangiti at natatawa tawa pa. Kadiri.”
“Position comes with responsibility. Lala mo,” actress Ivana Alawi posted.
Actress-director Bela Padilla said that while one may not be charged for imagination, the public could “remember this video for future reference.”
“Disgusting,” actress Kyline Alcantara wrote.
Television host Amy Perez defined misogynistic comments as expressions of prejudice or objectification against women.
Perez added, “Basic respect for women involves recognizing their inherent dignity, equality, and agency as human beings, not just polite courtesy. It requires active listening, valuing their opinions, ensuring their safety from objectification or harassment. #womensmonth.”
Actress Gabbi Garcia also wrote on X, “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.”
Amid the controversy, Curtis is currently in Oman and reunited with her husband, content creator Erwan Heussaff, and their daughter, Dahlia Amélie.
On March 1, Curtis was en route to Dubai when her flight was rerouted to Milan, Italy, following reports of damage at Dubai International Airport amid airstrikes in the Middle East. Two days later, her mother, Carmen Curtis-Smith, said on Facebook that the actress had landed in Oman and was with her family.
