Representative Bel Zamora, tahasang binweltahan ang "non-apology" ni Bong Suntay

• Representative Ysabel Maria “Bel” Zamora has described the public apology from a fellow legislator as lacking genuine remorse, calling it a "non-apology" during a recent radio interview
• The San Juan City representative emphasized that public officials must be more mindful of their language, especially regarding the dignity of women
• Despite her sharp criticism of the remarks about actress Anne Curtise, Zamora clarified that she does not intend to file a formal ethics complaint at this time
• The lawmaker’s stance highlights a growing demand for accountability and a shift in the traditional "boy's club" culture within the House

Representative Ysabel Maria “Bel” Zamora has added a firm voice to the ongoing discussion regarding professional decorum in the legislature, describing a colleague's recent public apology as insufficient and lacking true accountability.

In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the lawmaker from the Lone District of San Juan was asked for her reaction to the statement issued by Congressman Bong.

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The issue stems from a House Committee hearing where Bong shared a personal anecdote involving actress Anne, which many, including fellow lawmakers Karen and Leila, deemed disrespectful and objectifying.

Bel did not hold back in her assessment of the lawmaker's subsequent attempt to clear the air. She characterized the apology as a "non-apology," noting that it seemed to deflect responsibility rather than acknowledge the underlying disrespect of the comments.

According to the San Juan representative, an apology should address the harm caused by the words used, rather than simply expressing regret that the words were "misinterpreted."

The controversy has sparked a wider debate on how women are discussed in government institutions.

Bel stressed that the dignity of women, especially in a professional and legislative setting, should never be sacrificed for the sake of a hypothetical legal argument or a casual joke.

She noted that the public expects their representatives to uphold a certain level of sensitivity and respect, particularly during Women’s Month.

However, despite her disappointment with the remarks and the subsequent apology, Bel clarified that she is not seeking punitive action.

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When asked if she would pursue a case with the House Committee on Ethics, the congresswoman stated that she "nixes" the idea of a formal complaint.

For her, the focus should remain on a collective shift in culture and a commitment to better conduct, rather than a legalistic battle between colleagues.

This balanced approach reflects a desire for systemic change over individual punishment. By speaking out, Bel joins a chorus of female leaders demanding that the "old ways" of speaking about women in the halls of power be replaced with genuine respect.

As the legislative session continues, the eyes of the public remain on the House, waiting to see if these calls for professional transformation will lead to lasting change in parliamentary behavior.

Recently, Carmen Ojales, the mother of actress Anne Curtis, issued a sharp public rebuke against the legislator for his highly inappropriate comments. The controversy ignited after the congressman confessed to having personal "desires" toward the star during a formal government proceeding. Quezon City’s top executive, Joy, intervened by demanding that the official provide a sincere and professional apology for his conduct. Colleagues within the legislative committee expressed their own alarm, questioning the relevance and decency of such statements in a high-level hearing.

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Meanwhile, while expressing regret to those who felt insulted, Congressman Bong Suntay stood by the logic of his comparison, insisting it was meant as a purely hypothetical legal example. The lawmaker attempted to justify his comments by drawing a parallel to a previous statement made by the Vice President regarding imagined scenarios. Acting on the gravity of the situation, Bel and other House members successfully pushed to have the controversial dialogue erased from the legislative archives. The representative maintained that his goal was to illustrate a legal point: that internal thoughts or "imaginations" do not constitute a punishable crime without a physical act.

Source: KAMI.com.gh