Actress and TV host Anne Curtis has refused to accept the apology of Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay over his controversial remarks, announcing she is now seeking legal advice.
In a social media post Saturday, Curtis explained that she initially stayed silent while focused on her family stranded in the Middle East.
“I am home now, and now I’m ready to say what needs to be said. Not for revenge or drama, but because remaining silent would be wrong… for me, and for every woman watching,” she said.
Curtis criticized Suntay for making a vulgar, sexualized analogy that used her name without consent.
“My name disgustingly used without my consent, in the wrong context, and more importantly, without an ounce of respect,” she said, adding she was “hurt, disturbed, and angry.”
She stressed that such harassment mirrors the experiences of many women and is more serious when coming from a public official.
“Since you used me as an example, let me use you as one too. You’ve become the poster boy of something much bigger: a culture that still thinks it’s acceptable to talk about women this way. Worse, one that tolerates it from our leaders. As they say, misogyny dressed up as a joke is still misogyny,” Curtis said.
Curtis accepted the apology of Suntay’s wife, Sheila Guevara Suntay, and extended compassion to their children, saying they should not bear the shame of the incident.
Speaking on behalf of women, Curtis emphasized that respect must be upheld daily, not just during high-profile incidents.
“Any leader who cannot respect women does not understand leadership at all. Respecting women, after all, is simply basic decency,” she said.
Curtis urged the House ethics committee to act on Suntay’s remarks and confirmed she is exploring legal remedies.
“I will be seeking legal advice and will consider all my options looking forward,” she said.
“If anyone is wondering why Women’s Month still matters—this is exactly why.”
Her legal counsel, Gorriceta Africa Cauton and Saavedra, has also condemned Suntay’s statements. As of now, Suntay has not responded to Curtis’s remarks.