DURING a recent House Justice Committee hearing, Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay faced criticism from several colleagues after making inappropriate remarks about actress Anne Curtis.
Suntay was attempting to make a point while discussing the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, specifically allegations that she committed acts of political destabilization, sedition, and insurrection. However, his comments shifted the focus from the serious issues at hand to personal and lewd remarks about Curtis, which drew immediate disapproval from other members.
Suntay argued that Duterte was being accused of sedition merely for attending an event or rally where President Marcos was criticized. He defended Duterte’s statement about being a designated survivor, claiming that such statements are not illegal or criminal because they are unenforceable or simply thoughts. His comments appeared to dismiss the gravity of the allegations against Duterte, framing them as insignificant or merely symbolic, which did not sit well with many of his colleagues.
The controversy escalated when Suntay referenced an incident where he claimed to have seen Anne Curtis at a mall and admitted that he had imagined something inappropriate about her. He stated that such thoughts were just his imagination and could not be charged legally. “You know, a young statement being the designated survivor, it’s not illegal. It’s not criminal,” Suntay said, mixing English and Filipino, trying to justify his remarks. His comments about Curtis, however, were seen as highly inappropriate and unprofessional, prompting swift reactions from other lawmakers.
In response to Suntay’s remarks, the committee’s vice chairperson, San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, moved to have his comments stricken from the hearing records. Many members expressed disappointment and disapproval, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and respect during official proceedings. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for professionalism among lawmakers, especially when addressing sensitive issues such as impeachment and political accountability. Suntay’s remarks have become a controversial topic, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining decorum in legislative hearings.
metrosundaily
