Here’s the message of Anne Curtis to men.
Following the issue with lawmaker Bong Suntay, actress Anne Curtis speaks about how men can improve their perspective on women.
ABS-CBN actress Anne Curtis was disgusted and spoke on behalf of all the women after Quezon City 4th district Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay expressed inappropriate remarks about her.
In her statement, she delivered a clear message, rejecting the apology of Suntay. However, she chose not to dwell on it with resentment and bitterness. What she felt was empathy and compassion toward the wife and children because she could understand how painful the situation must be. Curtis also acknowledged the possible embarrassment, helplessness, and silent pain that the wife may be going through.
In an interview after being featured in a magazine, she was asked about the good and bad things of the previous events in her life. It was emotionally exhausting for her, from the passing of her father to being stranded amid the tension in the Middle East. While it was bad to hear her name in such a vulgar manner, the good thing that came out of it was realizing that she is being supported by women, men, colleagues, organizations, and people she has never met.
She was reminded that many people have become tired of that culture and wanted something better.
Curtis was then asked, “What would you want to tell men in particular on how to be better?”
She expressed that respect is not complicated. It is simply a matter of basic decency that starts with recognizing women as equals rather than treating them as objects. Men should also learn to listen. They must understand that when a woman points out something offensive or harmful, the reaction should not be defensive.
It must be openness and willingness to ask for forgiveness when necessary.
Her response was:
First, understand that respect isn’t complicated. It’s basic decency. It starts with seeing women as equals, not as objects or jokes. Second, listen. When women say something is offensive or harmful, the first reaction shouldn’t be defensiveness. It should be curiosity, reflection, and knowing when to apologize sincerely. And finally, speak up. The responsibility to challenge misogyny shouldn’t fall only on women. When men call it out, that’s when culture really begins to shift.
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