House Ethics Probe Launched Over Representative’s Remarks on Anne Curtis

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives has authorized an ethics investigation into statements made by Quezon City Fourth District Representative Bong Suntay regarding actress Anne Curtis. The probe was prompted by widespread condemnation of Suntay’s remarks, which were perceived as objectifying towards women.

Remarks Made During Impeachment Proceedings

The controversy arose during impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, March 4, 2026. Suntay referenced Curtis whereas defending the Vice President’s own controversial statements, including an expression of imagining harm to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He described feeling a “sudden heat” and “desire” upon seeing Curtis at a mall, sparking immediate backlash.

Calls for Accountability

Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag, chair of the House committee on women and gender equality, led the call for an ethics investigation. Matibag emphasized that women should not be the subject of humor or objectification within Congress. “The woman is not a joke, she is not a fantasy, and the dignity of women should never be made the subject of humor within Congress,” Matibag stated in Filipino [Rappler].

Gabriela Representative Sarah Elago added that such remarks have real-life consequences for women facing harassment, discrimination, and abuse [Rappler].

Motion to Investigate Approved

The House adopted a motion, spearheaded by San Juan Representative Belle Zamora, to allow the ethics committee to assess Suntay’s statements. The motion also requires Suntay to appear before the committee for a hearing, and for the committee to promptly report its findings and recommendations to the House [GMA Network].

Suntay’s Apology

Suntay has issued an apology, stating that his remarks were made while “arguing on principles” and that no malice was intended. He characterized the analogy as being in “bad taste” and “taken in the wrong context” [Rappler].

Further Criticism

Rep. Ysabel Maria J. Zamora moved to have Suntay’s comments stricken from the record, arguing they failed to empower women [Philstar]. The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality also condemned the remarks as sexist and inappropriate for a professional setting [Philstar].