Palace Official Calls Out Suntay Over Anne Curtis Statement
SUNTAY – What began as a statement during a congressional hearing has now turned into a national debate after the Palace addressed Bong Suntay’s comments about Anne Curtis.
Malacañang has finally broken its silence regarding the controversial remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay involving Anne Curtis.
The congressman has been heavily criticized by celebrities and ordinary citizens alike after he mentioned Anne’s name during the hearing of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. The issue quickly sparked outrage online, with many expressing disappointment over his statements.
In a press briefing on March 4, Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro addressed the matter and stressed that it cannot simply be dismissed as having no criminal implications.
“Patungkol sa sinasabi na naging usapin patungkol sa kababaihan, unang-una po, ang pag-iimagine o pagpapantasya sa isang babae, kung ito’y nasa isip lamang, hindi natin masasabing ito’y krimen dahil hindi ito naisisiwalat, nasa puso, nasa utak ng isang lalaki,” Castro explained.
She, however, emphasized the distinction once such thoughts are expressed publicly.
“Pero ‘pag ito’y ibinulalas niya at ipinagmalaki sa publiko, ang kaniyang pagpapantasya sa isang babae, this is definitely a s*xual innuendo.
“Hindi po ito masasabing walang krimen. The mere fact na sinabi niya ‘to in public, to the public, pertaining to a particular person, it is already covered by ‘Safe Spaces Act.’
“So, hindi puwedeng sabihin na walang krimen kung ito’y ibinulalas at ipinagmalaki pa sa publiko ang isang pagpapantasya sa isang babae,” explained Castro.
Castro also shared her personal reaction to the issue.
“Na-offend ako para sa lahat ng kababaihan, lalo na kung ipagmamalaki pa na karangalan ng isang babae na siya ay pagpantasyahan.
“Dapat pa bang ipagpasalamat na ang lalaki ay nag-iisip nang malaswa sa iyong pagkababae?” she said.
When asked whether Suntay’s public apology was enough, the Palace official responded, “Nagawa niya na e, consumated na po. Nakita na po natin kung ano ang nasa isip niya, kung paano siya mag-isip, at kung papaano siya magkilos kung mayroon siyang nakikitang magandang babae.
“Siguro, mas maganda pong itanong n’yo ‘yan sa wife ni Cong. Suntay,” Castro added.
Earlier, Suntay apologized to Anne but maintained that his statement carried no malicious intent.
“While may mga tao siguro that found the analogy in bad taste, doon sa mga na-offend, inuulit ko, walang malice doon sa ninais nating gawin doon sa statement na iyon. Ayaw natin makasakit through that analogy.
“But kung may nasaktan, humihingi tayo ng dispensa. Kay Ms. Anne Curtis din, kung nasaktan siya sa sinabi, uulitin ko, there was no malice intended at tayo humihingi ng dispensa sa kaniya,” said Rep. Suntay.
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