MARCH 5, 2026 — Quezon City Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay probably thought his public apology would be enough to douse the fire. But Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago and a coalition of women’s rights advocates clearly weren’t buying it. On March 5, Elago marched straight to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to file a formal complaint against Suntay, who recently drew flak for allegedly objectifying actress Anne Curtis during a hearing.

Suntay had already issued apologies the day before, both in the media and on the plenary floor. 

“There was no malice intended and if there was malice that was deduced from that statements I wish to apologize doon sa mga natamaan at nasaktan,” he said. 

But Gabriela wasn’t impressed. 

Elago called it a “non-apology,” stressing, “Ang ganitong ‘non-apology’ ay nagpapakita kung gaano kalalim pa rin ang kultura ng pag-normalize sa pambabastos sa kababaihan.” 

The complaint, backed by Gabriela National Alliance Chairperson Gert Libang, Gabriela Youth Spokesperson Fran Reyes, former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, and KMK Spokesperson Jacq Ruiz, now gives the ethics panel chaired by 4Ps Rep. JC Abalos more teeth to act. Deputy Speaker Janette Garin had already approved a motion for the panel to investigate Suntay’s remarks, which were branded “sexist” and “misogynistic.”

Maza argued that Suntay’s words violated the Magna Carta of Women, the Safe Spaces Act, and the Code of Conduct for Government Officials. She even suggested punishments ranging from suspension to fines donated to women’s groups, or community service that mirrors the daily labor of women at home. 

“Mahirap ang ginagawa ng mga kababaihan sa kanilang mga bahay — Pagpapakain ng anak, pag-aalaga ng asawa, dapat gawin niya,” she said. 

This case isn’t just about one congressman’s slip of the tongue. It’s about the culture inside the halls of power. If lawmakers themselves normalize sexist remarks, what message does that send to ordinary Filipinas who endure harassment daily? 

Suntay’s repeated apologies may sound conciliatory, but the backlash shows that words alone won’t cut it anymore.

The bigger question is whether Congress will finally draw a hard line against misogyny within its ranks. 

Will this ethics complaint be a turning point? Will the House of Representatives prove it can police its own, or will it once again let sexism slide under the rug?

(Image: Congressman Bong Suntay | Facebook)