House OKs ethics probe into Bong Suntay’s remarks vs Anne Curtis

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 4, authorized an investigation into the statement made by Deputy Minority Leader Bong Suntay against Anne Curtis, which has drawn widespread condemnation for its apparent objectification of women.

The House adopted a motion allowing the ethics committee to make a thorough assessment of Suntay’s remarks on Tuesday, March 4, when he said he had sexual fantasies about Curtis during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

This came after Laguna 1st District Represenative Ann Matibag, chair of the House committee on women and gender equality, spoke on the plenary floor and requested that the issue be referred to the ethics committee.

“The woman is not a joke, she is not a fantasy, and the dignity of women should never be made the subject of humor within Congress,” Matibag said in Filipino.

“When a member of Congress speaks in a way that objectifies women, the harm extends far beyond that moment. This has real-life consequences for women who experience various forms of harassment, discrimination, and abuse every day,” Gabriela Representative Sarah Elago added.

Suntay has apologized for his remarks, but insisted that he was “arguing on principles.”

Suntay brought up Anne Curtis in an attempt to defend the Vice President, who once said she has imagined decapitating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. That statement is among the grounds cited in her impeachment case.

“The analogy might have been in bad taste and taken in the wrong context,” Suntay said. “There was no malice intended. If there was malice deduced, I wish to apologize to those offended.” – Rappler.com