Filipina Celebrities Defend Anne Curtis and Other Women Against Rep. Bong Suntay’s “Misogynistic” Statements
The female personalities called for the diminishing of the objectification culture.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Mar 4, 2026
National Women’s Month 2026 is off to a rough start. Last Tuesday, March 3, a hearing was held for the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay claimed that the Vice President was being accused of sedition only because she was present at an event where criticism was expressed towards President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
To prove his point, the statesman offered an analogy. He presented a situation in which he saw Anne Curtis at the mall, and the sight of her awakened a “desire sa loob ko na nag-init talaga.” He expounded, “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.”
San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, the committee vice chairperson, requested to have those statements stricken off the record. “I don’t think that we should be hearing such comments from our dear colleagues,” she said. “We’re not censoring anything, but we are reminding them that, in fact, we should support women by not saying these statements.” In defense, Rep. Bong insisted that there was “nothing sexual in what I said, nothing immoral” because they were limited to his imagination and not put into action.
Upon gaining criticism from citizens, he apologized “if some people were offended” in an interview with DZMM, but reiterated that he stands by the analogy. In a separate interview with One News’ Storycon, he also expressed his belief that the mentioned actress “should take it as a compliment.”
Anne’s fellow celebrities and personalities were sure not to dismiss the lewd remarks, each expressing their thoughts and reactions through social media.
Filipina Celebrities React to Rep. Bong Suntay’s Lewd Remarks Towards Anne Curtis
On the day of the hearing, Karen Davila took the opportunity to express her reaction at the close of TV Patrol. “Marami na hindi conscious at aware sa misogynistic comments sa mga kababaihan,” she said. “Dapat ’wag na nating tanggapin 'yung minsang biro-biro lang. Ang tagal na nating tinanggap ’yun. Mali po ’yun,” highlighting how such remarks have become embedded in culture and are overdue for change.
Her co-broadcaster Alvin Elchico added, “You can actually prove a point without being offensive to women.” Karen also reminded public servants that they are not in their positions “para magpa-cute.”
“Wala kaming paki-alam sa init ng kalooban ninyo. Do your job well,” she said, adding that this is what taxpayers are paying them to do.
She went on to speak through her personal X account to emphasize how this man is “a congressman. A representative of the people. Paid by the people. A husband, a father with daughters.” She concluded, “Please keep your sick thoughts to yourself.”
Jasmine Curtis-Smith was quick to speak up, not only for her sister, but for every woman. “This moment is not about one female celebrity,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “It is about how all women, regardless of profession, continue to be reduced to bodies in spaces dominated by men in power.”
She added that having a public servant narrate his inner desires about a woman champions a culture that continues to objectify them. Jasmine deems the act inexcusable, saying that accountability must be held in order to cultivate safer environments.
Bianca Gonzalez called to “not normalize this behavior” as well, saying it is “disgusting, especially for a public servant.” She was also sure to notice the politician’s lack of remorse and understanding as to why his statement was “offensive and inappropriate.”
The same sentiments were echoed by Gabbi Garcia, who wrote, “If you hold power, act like it.” For the actress, any form of objectification is simply unacceptable. “We are not here to be reduced to someone’s imagination.”
One of Anne’s It’s Showtime co-hosts, Amy Perez, wrote a series of posts on X. “I’m so disappointed, Mr. Representative,” she began. She separately reminded that “Basic respect for women involves recognizing their inherent dignity, equality, and agency as human beings, not just polite courtesy.” For Tyang Amy, it is not a matter of political parties, but of respect for every being.
Other actresses left their thoughts under the comments section of a page who posted about the hearing. Nadine Lustre called the situation “kadiri,” especially given the fact that many of the congressman’s colleagues were smiling and laughing as he provided his statement.
Bela Padilla reinstated that while imagination cannot be sued, the video of the hearing now serves as evidence “for future reference.”
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.