Manila, Philippines – Amidst the deliberations on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte last Tuesday, Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay faced criticisms following a controversial remarks towards actress Anne Curtis.
The supposed analogy he made drew backlash from the public, especially from women groups who found the remarks inappropriate—especially coming from a public official in time with the National Women’s Month.
Amid the controversy, Suntay have repeatedly explained and defended his side, arguing that he has no malicious intent with the remarks.
He further explained that it was just an analogy to make a point in relation to the discussion regarding the impeachment complaint.
Suntay later apologized to those who may have been offended with the remarks, and that he understands the public’s reaction.
Yesterday, Gabriela Women’s party and some women’s groups have filed an ethics complaint against Suntay before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Today, groups of women leaders also filed formal criminal and administrative cases against Suntay.
World March of Women Pilipinas staged a protest march and rally before filing multiple complaints against Suntay before the Office of the Ombudsman condemning the inappropriate analogy.
The complaints included violation of Safe Spaces Act, Magna Carta of Women, and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
WIFE OF REP. SUNTAY EXTENDS APOLOGY TO ANNE CURTIS: ‘I STAND WITH YOU’
On the other hand, the lawmaker’s wife Shiela Guevarra Suntay have broke silence amid the issue.
In a statement, she denied circulating news that she just laughed over the matter, emphasizing that she do not agree with it, and do not condone it either.
She likewise extended apology to Anne Curtis and her family and to all women. saying that no one should be talked about that way: “The news circulating, that 1 laughed and therefore approved of what was said is false, and I will not allow that narrative to stand unchallenged…To Anne Curtis and her family – I am deeply sorry. Please know that my heart goes out to you, and I stand with you.”
She added that all women should be treated with dignity and respect.
Meanwhile, she requested the public to leave her and her kids out of teh controversy.
She noted that they are not involved, hence they do not deserve to be targeted and harassed for this matter.
“Please leave me and my children out of this. We are not public figures. My children are children. No mother should have to watch her children be targeted and harassed for something they had no part in. I humbly ask the public and the media to respect that boundary,” Mrs. Suntay said.
This is amid the family also receiving criticisms over the “she laughed” news.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News