Palace, nag-react na sa nag-init comments ni Cong. Bong Suntay kay Anne Curtis

• Malacañang condemned the controversial remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay about Anne Curtis during a congressional hearing
• Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the comments could fall under the Safe Spaces Act because they were publicly expressed and directed at a specific woman
• She also rejected the idea that such remarks could be considered a compliment to women
• Suntay later apologized and clarified that he had never met Anne Curtis and was only making an analogy

Malacañang on Wednesday criticized the controversial remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay about actress Anne Curtis during a recent House committee hearing.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the lawmaker’s statements were inappropriate and may even fall under the Safe Spaces Act, which penalizes gender-based harassment in public spaces, workplaces, and online platforms.

“Kapag ito’y ibinulalas niya at ipinagmalaki sa publiko, ang kanyang pagpapantasya sa isang babae…

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Bong Suntay, humingi ng paumanhin sa “nag-init” na pahayag tungkol kay Anne Curtis

Hindi po ito masasabing walang krimen. The mere fact na sinabi niya ito in public, to the public, pertaining to a particular person. It is already covered by Safe Spaces Act,” Castro said.

The Safe Spaces Act penalizes gender-based harassment that occurs in streets, public areas, workplaces, and online spaces.

Castro also strongly rejected Suntay’s claim that the actress should consider his comment as a compliment.

“Dapat ba bang ipagpasalamat na ang lalaki ay nag-iisip ng malaswa sa iyong pagkababae?

Kababaihan hindi dapat ginagawang paksa ng malaswa na pananalita. Let us end the culture of objectifying women,” she added.

The Palace official stressed that women should never be reduced to objects of such remarks and that such behavior must be called out, especially in public forums where officials are expected to uphold respect and dignity.

Following the public backlash, Suntay later issued an apology for his statement. He clarified that he had never personally met Anne Curtis and said his remarks were merely intended as an analogy during the discussion.

Anne Curtis started her career in Philippine show business in the mid-1990s and eventually grew into one of the country’s most prominent entertainment figures. She has starred in blockbuster films, led popular television dramas, and served as a longtime host of the noontime program It’s Showtime. Beyond acting, she also explored music, fashion, and entrepreneurial ventures. Her ability to remain genuine while adapting to the changing industry has helped maintain her enduring popularity. Anne is married to entrepreneur and content creator Erwan Heussaff, and they have a daughter named Dahlia.

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Sen. Risa Hontiveros, nanawagan ng paghingi ng paumanhin ni Rep. Bong Suntay kay Anne Curtis

Previously, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also called on Rep. Bong Suntay to apologize over the controversial comments involving Anne Curtis. The mayor said the remarks ran counter to the city’s continuing efforts to uphold women’s dignity and empowerment. She also pointed out that Suntay himself once took part in passing gender-protection policies while serving in the Quezon City Council.

Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros likewise urged the congressman to issue an apology, saying there is “absolutely no excuse” for statements she described as offensive. She reminded lawmakers that gender-based harassment is punishable under the Bawal Bastos Law, which she authored. According to Hontiveros, protecting women’s dignity remains especially important during Women’s Month.

Source: KAMI.com.gh