MANILA, Philippines — March 6, 2026 — Attorney Ferdinand “Ferdie” Topacio has come under fire after admitting on his DWIZ News program “Yes… Yes… Yo! Topacio” that he once felt lustful toward Gabriela Women’s Partylist Representative Sarah Elago after smelling her during a Department of Justice hearing. 

His exact words were, “Ako dati, pinagnasahan ko rin si Sarah Elago, e. Naamoy ko noong hearing namin sa DOJ.”

The controversial statement was made on March 5, 2026, when Topacio also defended Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay, who had been criticized for remarks about actress Anne Curtis-Smith. 

Topacio argued that men naturally feel desire toward women and should not be condemned for their thoughts. “Lalaki ‘yan. Huwag na tayong magplastikan. Ang mga lalaki, nagnanasa ‘yan talaga. We are wired for that. Let’s not be hypocrites,” he said.

Topacio insisted he did not care if the public or his listeners were angered by his admission. “Magalit na kayo kung magagalit kayo sa akin. I don’t care. Kasi talagang ako, suklam na suklam sa hypocrisy, kaplastikan. Kasi I always say what I mean and I mean what I say,” he declared. He accused Elago of hypocrisy, claiming she remained silent on alleged abuses involving recruits of Kabataan Partylist, which she previously led. 

“‘Yong mga nire-recruit ng Kabataan Partylist na na-rape, Sarah Elago, anong sinabi mo? May sinabi ka ba? Wala. Napakalaking hipokrito niyang si Sarah Elago,” Topacio said.

He further alleged that complaints in Lucena about recruitment abuses were ignored by Elago and her group. “‘Yong complaint namin kay… sa Lucena, ini-empower n’yo pagre-recruit ng mga babae. Inaabuso doon sa bulubundukin. Wala kayong sinasabi. ‘Yan ang sinasabi kong punumpuno ng hipokrito ang House of Representatives,” he added.

Topacio’s defense of Suntay also drew criticism, as he claimed that imagining or expressing desire should not be considered a crime. “Inimagine lang, sinabi lang kasi. For relevant ‘yon, Sarah Elago. Kasi ang sinasabi ni Congressman Suntay, no one should be called to account legally or criminally for what he is thinking,” he explained.

Representative Sarah Elago responded strongly on March 6, 2026, vowing not to let the incident pass. “Hindi natin ito palalagpasin. Kailangan nating panagutin. Walang puwang sa lipunang naghahangad ng tunay na pagbabago ang ganitong kaisipan at pag-uugali,” she emphasized.

The incident has sparked outrage among women’s groups and netizens, who condemned Topacio’s remarks as misogynistic and inappropriate, especially during Women’s Month. The controversy continues to trend online, fueling calls for accountability and highlighting the persistent challenges faced by women in politics.