MANILA, Philippines — March 6, 2026 — Women’s rights group Gabriela has condemned Attorney Ferdinand “Ferdie” Topacio after his controversial admission that he once felt lustful toward Gabriela Women’s Partylist Representative Sarah Elago during a Department of Justice hearing. 

In a strongly worded statement, the group branded him a “manyak na abogado” and accused him of launching a direct attack against their representative.

Gabriela said, “Sa unang linggo pa lamang ng Buwan ng Kababaihan, sinunggaban na agad ng manyak na abogado na si Ferdinand Topacio ang pagkakataon upang magpakawala ng kabastusan at direktang atake laban sa kinatawan ng sektor ng kababaihan sa Kongreso na si Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago.” 

The group stressed that Topacio’s remarks were not only disrespectful but also dangerous, as they perpetuate misogyny and harassment against women leaders.

Topacio made the controversial statement on March 5, 2026, during his DWIZ News program “Yes… Yes… Yo! Topacio,” where he said, “Ako dati, pinagnasahan ko rin si Sarah Elago, e. Naamoy ko noong hearing namin sa DOJ.” He added, “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.”

The lawyer also defended Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay, who faced backlash for comments 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.

Representative Sarah Elago responded on March 6, 2026, vowing to hold Topacio accountable. “Hindi natin ito palalagpasin. Kailangan nating panagutin. Walang puwang sa lipunang naghahangad ng tunay na pagbabago ang ganitong kaisipan at pag-uugali,” she declared.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with netizens and advocacy groups calling for disciplinary action against Topacio. Gabriela emphasized that such remarks highlight the continuing struggle of women in politics against sexism and harassment, especially during Women’s Month. The controversy remains a trending topic, fueling calls for respect and accountability in public discourse.