Lawmakers Sanction Bong Suntay Following Remarks Involving Anne Curtis
ANNE CURTIS – What started as an attempt to explain a political issue quickly turned into a controversy after Bong Suntay brought actress Anne Curtis into his argument.
The House of Representatives has ordered Quezon City 4th District Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay to issue a public apology to actress and television host Anne Curtis following controversial remarks he made during a House Committee on Justice hearing on March 3.
The issue stemmed from comments made by Suntay while discussing the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. During the hearing, the congressman used Anne as an example while explaining his position regarding Duterte’s statement that she was a “designated survivor.”
According to Suntay, there was no political destabilization or sedition in Vice President Duterte’s statement.
“You know, ‘yung statement being the ‘designated survivor,’ it’s not illegal, it’s not criminal. In fact, it’s a process in the United States.
“Mere utterance na I’m designating myself… in fact, hindi nga pwede ‘yon, eh. Can you designate yourself without a process Sinabi lang niya ‘yon, siguro nagpapatawa lang siya,” said Suntay
The congressman then cited Anne Curtis in an analogy that later drew criticism from lawmakers and the public.
“Alam niyo minsan, nakita ko si Anne Curtis, ang ganda-ganda pala niya. You know, may desire sa loob ko na, nag-init talaga, na-imagine ko na lang kung ano’ng pwedeng mangyari pero siyempre hanggang imagination na lang ‘yon.
“Pero ‘di naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan kung ano ang na-imagine ko eh,” the congressman’s statement.
Following an investigation by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the chamber voted 263-8-6 in favor of imposing disciplinary measures against Suntay.
Among the sanctions imposed were a requirement to issue a public apology to Anne Curtis, perform voluntary community service, and undergo a gender sensitivity seminar.
According to 4Ps Party-list Representative JC Abalos, who authored the committee report, Suntay was found guilty of “disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress.”
“The Committee recommends that representative Suntay be penalized to disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand under Section 52(b)(2), Rule IX of the Committee Rules,” according to the chairperson of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
“Render voluntary community service, undergo a gender sensitivity seminar organized by the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, and issue a public apology to Ms. Anne Curtis-Smith and all women in a statement to be read before television or broadcast media,” the report further stated.
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