MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has publicly condemned what she called inappropriate remarks by Rep. Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay (Quezon City 4th District) during the House Committee on Justice’s deliberations on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Belmonte said it was “truly disappointing to witness” the casual objectification of women — remarks she said were at odds with the city’s longstanding efforts to promote gender equality and women’s safety.

Belmonte noted Suntay’s past role on the Quezon City Council, including as majority floor leader when the city enacted the Bawal Bastos Ordinance and the Gender and Development Code — measures intended to protect women from sexist and degrading conduct.

She urged the congressman to take full accountability, issue a proper apology, and conduct himself with the dignity expected of an elected official.

“Our policies are a declaration of our city’s values — of what we stand for and what we refuse to tolerate,” Belmonte said, emphasizing that safety, dignity, and equality for women must be upheld without exception.

Belmonte’s comments come amid widespread criticism — from fellow lawmakers to public personalities like Jasmine Curtis-Smith — over Suntay’s remark, which referenced his personal reaction to seeing actress Anne Curtis as an illustration during Tuesday’s hearing.

Suntay’s Sentiments as of Today

In media interviews on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Rep. Suntay apologized to those offended by his statements but also sought to explain the context in which he made them. Suntay said his comment — which described an imagined moment after seeing Curtis and included a reference to physical reaction — was meant to illustrate his point that desire and imagination are not impeachable offenses.

He maintained there was no malice intended, describing his example as a “fictitious situation” rather than a personal attack, and offered an apology to those who were hurt, including Curtis.

“While some found the analogy in bad taste, to those who were offended, I repeat, there was no malice in what we intended … If anyone was hurt, we ask for forgiveness,” Suntay said, but he also stressed that the analogy was key to his argument on the impeachment topic.

Several sectors — including women’s groups, journalists, and some elected officials — have called for clearer accountability beyond a mere expression of regret, saying the remarks reflect broader issues of respect and professionalism in public office.

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