Manila, Philippines – The Philippines celebrates in March the National Women’s Month, recognizing the rights, courage, power, respect, and equality towards women in the society.
This is why the general public expressed disappointment and enrage towards Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay’s remarks about actress Anne Curtis during the deliberation on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment complaint last Tuesday.
In his defense, Suntay argued that this desire and imagination of his is just an analogy to explain how Duterte’s thought of beheading the President is also just an imagination-an allegation cited in the grounds of impeachment.
Suntay added that just like in his case, the Vice President cannot be punished over imaginations, especially that they are not acted upon.
He, however, faced a heavy backlash not only from fellow lawmakers, but from the general public as well, criticizing these inappropriate remarks coming from a public official at that.
They urged Suntay to issue a public apology.
Meanwhile, for Gabriela Women’s Party and women’s rights groups, these incidents should not be ignored and overlooked.
On Thursday, the groups officially filed an ethics complaint against Suntay.
This is still aside from the House of representatives’ referral yesterday of Suntay’s remarks to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
This was approved under Laguna Representative and Committee on Women and Gender Equality chair Ann Matibag’s manifestation, which was supported by fellow lawmakers.
In his manifestation speech in the same plenary session on Wednesday, Suntay addressed the issue, saying that he understands and respects the public outraged following these remarks.
He reiterated that he has no malicious intention over teh remarks and that was just part of a healthy discussion regarding the impeachment.
He likewise urged the Chamber to also act swiftly like this, when it comes to issues of corruption in the government.
SOLONS PUSHES MANDATORY GENDER SENSITIVITY TRAINING FOR CONGRESS MEMBERS
In response to the issue, some lawmakers are seeking faster approval and amendments on gender-based legislations that will uphold protection and equal treatment not only for women, but for all genders.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News