MARCH 6, 2026 — When a congressman drags a beloved celebrity into a political circus, expect fireworks. That’s exactly what happened when Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay dropped a sexually suggestive remark about Anne Curtis during a House impeachment hearing against Vice President Sara Duterte. The backlash was instant, brutal, and relentless.

Clips of the remark spread like wildfire online, with netizens calling it “misogynistic,” “sexist,” “lewd,” and “demeaning.” Even Curtis’ supporters and management weighed in, condemning the lawmaker’s words. Suntay tried to douse the flames with an apology, admitting the analogy was inappropriate. But the damage was done — and the controversy refused to die down.

Enter Shiela Guevara-Suntay, the congressman’s wife, who stepped into the spotlight with a statement that was both heartfelt and distancing. 

She made it crystal clear: “My children & I do not agree with, and we do not condone, the analogy made by Bong.”

She didn’t stop there. 

Addressing Curtis directly, she said, “To Anne Curtis and her family – I am deeply sorry. No woman should ever be spoken about that way.” 

And in case anyone thought she approved of the remark, Guevara-Suntay shut down the rumors, saying “The news circulating, that I laughed and therefore approved of what was said is false, and I will not allow that narrative to stand unchallenged.”

Her plea was also personal: “Please leave me and my children out of this. We are not public figures. My children are children.”

But apologies aside, the fallout has now reached Congress itself. Female lawmakers condemned Suntay’s words, prompting the House to launch a formal ethics investigation. Rep. Ann Matibag of Laguna even delivered a privilege speech, stressing that remarks like these degrade women and have no place in the halls of power.

So what does this mean for us? It’s a reminder of how casual sexism still lurks in our institutions, how accountability often comes only after viral outrage, and how families of politicians become collateral damage in scandals they didn’t cause.

Anne Curtis has yet to speak, but her silence is deafening. And the bigger question now is whether we will let this pass as just another political gaffe or demand real consequences.

How many times do we have to remind our leaders that respecting women isn’t a favor — it’s the bare minimum?

(Image: @bongsuntay | Instagram)