Vilma Santos-Recto, pumalag sa pambabastos kay Anne Curtis

• Vilma Santos-Recto strongly condemned the remark made by Bong Suntay about Anne Curtis, saying women deserve respect
• The Batangas governor stressed during the screening of her film "Ekstra" that women today are no longer expected to stay silent or simply follow men
• She also called out the tendency to judge women based on how they dress, saying it should not justify disrespect
• Vilma’s statements drew loud applause during the screening of her film Ekstra at the Manila Metropolitan Theater

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto did not hide her disappointment over the controversial remark made by Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay about actress and television host Anne Curtis.

The veteran actress-turned-public servant spoke about the issue during the screening of her film Ekstra at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, where she was asked for her reaction to the lawmaker’s comment that referenced Anne during a House Committee on Justice hearing connected to the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

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“DEFINITELY, I’m not happy! That’s why we’ve been talking about women empowerment, it’s about time you should treat women with respect,” says Vilma.

Her statement came after Suntay used Anne as an example while sharing how he supposedly reacted upon seeing her at a hotel. The remark quickly drew criticism online, with many defending the It's Showtime host.

Even Suntay’s wife, Maria Cecilia Sheila Guevarra, publicly condemned the comment and apologized to Anne. She also appealed to the public not to involve their children in the controversy.

For Vilma, the issue highlights a bigger conversation about how women are treated in society.

“Nu’ng araw sabi nila ang babae nakasunod lang sa lalaki, not anymore!” says Vilma.

She emphasized that women today are capable and deserving of equal respect.

“So don’t underestimate us, don’t say bad words against us kasi kahit paano, aalma kami,” says Vilma.

The governor also addressed the argument often used to justify disrespect toward women—how they dress.

“’Wag naman nilang lahatin ang ating mga kababaihan,” says Vilma.

She added that artists sometimes wear certain outfits as part of their profession and that this should never be used as a reason to judge them.

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“Again if I may, tingnan mo muna ang sarili mo bago ka manghusga sa iba lalo na sa kababaihan,” says Vilma.

Her remarks were met with loud applause from the audience at the event.

Vilma Santos-Recto is an iconic Filipina actress and public servant currently serving her fourth term as Governor of Batangas after a historic victory in May 2025. Known as the “Star for All Seasons,” she remains a major force in Philippine cinema, recently winning her 10th Best Actress honor at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies in December 2025 for the film Uninvited. As of March 2026, she has paused film projects to focus on the “HEARTS” program for Batangueños.

In another report, Vilma Santos said making another movie is no longer a priority while she continues serving as governor of Batangas. The veteran actress explained that she wants to fully focus on addressing the needs and challenges faced by her constituents, ABS-CBN News reported. Santos said she may still consider working on another independent film in the future if the right script comes along, and she also spoke out against viral lewd remarks made about actress Anne Curtis, stressing the importance of respecting women.

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Meanwhile, Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay is facing complaints for alleged violations of the Safe Spaces Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the code of conduct for public officials. World March of Women (WMW)-Pilipinas filed the complaint while carrying a banner that read “Hold Misogynists Accountable.” Suntay admitted that using a se*xual fantasy “should not” have been done and said, “There could have been a better analogy.” He also apologized to those hurt, acknowledging that backlash is deserved while he faces a separate ethics complaint in the House.

Source: KAMI.com.gh