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Bong Suntay Apologizes After 'Anne Curtis' Remark Sparks Backlash
Photo credit: Bong Suntay and Anne Curtis / FB
Congressman Bong Suntay is now in damage-control mode after his comment about actress Anne Curtis went viral and drew criticism from fans, fellow celebrities, and even Quezon City officials.
During the March 3 impeachment hearing for Vice President Sara Duterte, Suntay made a personal remark about seeing Anne Curtis at Shangri-La, saying:
“She is really beautiful. You know, a desire inside me welled up, I felt the heat, and I just imagined what could happen… but of course, that is only my imagination. But I think I cannot be charged for what I was able to imagine.”
The comment, delivered in a formal government proceeding, immediately sparked outrage online. Critics said it reduced women to objects for commentary rather than respecting them as full human beings.
Suntay Responds: “No Malice Intended”
After the backlash — including calls from actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Anne Curtis’ sister, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte — Suntay issued a clarification:
“While some may have found the analogy in bad taste, there was no malice intended. If anyone was hurt, I apologize. To Ms. Anne Curtis as well, I am sorry if my words caused offense. When it was a fictitious situation, only one thing was true — I said she is truly beautiful.”
He emphasized that his intention was not to harm anyone but acknowledged that the comment was inappropriate for the setting.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith Speaks Out
Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith made it clear that this isn’t just about one celebrity:
“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.”
She stressed that public officials have a responsibility to elevate discourse, not reduce women to imagined scenarios or objects of fantasy.
“We cannot continue excusing this as ‘just being honest’ or ‘just a compliment.’ It is neither,” she added.
Mayor Belmonte Calls for Full Accountability
Mayor Joy Belmonte echoed the call for accountability, urging Suntay to apologize publicly.
“We must not hesitate to push back against any act that undermines the dignity of our women,” Belmonte said. She noted that Suntay himself had helped pass gender protection policies like the Gender and Development Code and Bawal Bastos Ordinance, which set standards against lewd or demeaning behavior in public office.
Belmonte emphasized that elected officials should lead by example and uphold these values consistently.
A Lesson in Public Responsibility
The incident highlights a larger question: how should respect for women be enforced in spaces of power? While Suntay has apologized, critics say the conversation must continue about how remarks in official settings shape culture and reinforce or dismantle harmful attitudes toward women.
During the March 3 impeachment hearing for Vice President Sara Duterte, Suntay made a personal remark about seeing Anne Curtis at Shangri-La, saying:
“She is really beautiful. You know, a desire inside me welled up, I felt the heat, and I just imagined what could happen… but of course, that is only my imagination. But I think I cannot be charged for what I was able to imagine.”
The comment, delivered in a formal government proceeding, immediately sparked outrage online. Critics said it reduced women to objects for commentary rather than respecting them as full human beings.
Suntay Responds: “No Malice Intended”
After the backlash — including calls from actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Anne Curtis’ sister, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte — Suntay issued a clarification:
“While some may have found the analogy in bad taste, there was no malice intended. If anyone was hurt, I apologize. To Ms. Anne Curtis as well, I am sorry if my words caused offense. When it was a fictitious situation, only one thing was true — I said she is truly beautiful.”
He emphasized that his intention was not to harm anyone but acknowledged that the comment was inappropriate for the setting.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith Speaks Out
Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith made it clear that this isn’t just about one celebrity:
“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.”
She stressed that public officials have a responsibility to elevate discourse, not reduce women to imagined scenarios or objects of fantasy.
“We cannot continue excusing this as ‘just being honest’ or ‘just a compliment.’ It is neither,” she added.
Mayor Belmonte Calls for Full Accountability
Mayor Joy Belmonte echoed the call for accountability, urging Suntay to apologize publicly.
“We must not hesitate to push back against any act that undermines the dignity of our women,” Belmonte said. She noted that Suntay himself had helped pass gender protection policies like the Gender and Development Code and Bawal Bastos Ordinance, which set standards against lewd or demeaning behavior in public office.
Belmonte emphasized that elected officials should lead by example and uphold these values consistently.
A Lesson in Public Responsibility
The incident highlights a larger question: how should respect for women be enforced in spaces of power? While Suntay has apologized, critics say the conversation must continue about how remarks in official settings shape culture and reinforce or dismantle harmful attitudes toward women.
Mar 4, 2026
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