The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay over his remarks about his “desire” and the “heat” he felt after seeing actress and TV host Anne Curtis.
During the plenary session, San Juan Lone District Representative Ysabel Zamora moved to refer the privilege speech of House Committee on Women and Gender Equality chairperson and Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag to the Ethics Committee.
Matibag’s speech addressed Suntay’s remark during the House Committee on Justice hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I move to authorize the Committee on Ethics and Privileges schedule a meeting to conduct a thorough assessment on the actuations and statements of Rep. Jesus ‘Bong’ Suntay relative to the question of privilege of Rep. Ann Matibag,” Zamora said.
Zamora also moved to require Suntay “to appear to the hearing of the committee” and “to immediately report to the House its findings and recommendations after the scheduled hearing.”
House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin approved the motion after hearing no objection.
Suntay has since apologized to those offended by his remarks, stressing that no malice was intended.
“My record on women’s welfare is real. The Gender and Development Code, at the Bawal Bastos ordinance, which I authored in Quezon City were not small achievement. They were early attempts to build a culture of respect and accountability towards women in public spaces,” he said.
“My actions and my past history will show, will prove the kind of person that I am. Kagaya ng inuulit ko, we should look at the person by his actions and not mere statements.”