Namaso an ija kalawasan!
Quezon City Rep. Jesus Manuel 'Bong'
Suntay is facing a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman accusing him of
committing a “public crime” over his lewd remarks about actress and television
host Anne Curtis during the impeachment proceedings at the House of
Representatives, as reported by Dempsey Reyes of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The complainants described the
representative as misogynistic and alleged that his statement violated several
laws, including Safe Spaces Act and its implementing rules and regulations.
During a House Committee on Justice
hearing on March 3, 2026, Representative Suntay said:
“Alam niyo minsan, nasa Shangri-La ako,
nakita ko si Anne Curtis, ang ganda-ganda pala niya. You know, may desire sa
loob ko na, nag-init talaga, na-imagine ko na lang kung ano’ng pwedeng
mangyari. Pero siyempre hanggang imagination na lang ’yon.”
The remark drew backlash from women’s
groups, while several netizens expressed concern that a lawmaker appeared to
trivialize conduct that could be construed as inappropriate or even unlawful.
Others pointed out that such lewd remarks, delivered during a formal
proceeding, set a troubling example for the youth and undermine the decorum
expected of public officials.
Adding further irony to the situation is
the fact that March is observed as National Women’s Month, a period when
government offices are expected to highlight and promote the vital role of
women in nation-building. In this context, the controversy appears even more
discordant with the ideals of respect, dignity, and empowerment that the
celebration seeks to uphold.
Lawmakers must therefore exercise great
caution in their choice of words, as they remain constantly in the public eye.
In an era where statements and actions are instantly recorded, broadcast, and
circulated across social media platforms, public officials are expected to
communicate and act with a heightened sense of responsibility, discretion, and
respect.
This dynamic has long been recognized in
political communication research. According to Pippa Norris (2000), the news
media and expanding communication platforms significantly shape how citizens
interpret political behavior and public discourse.
In the end, the issue extends beyond a
single remark; it speaks to the standards society expects from those entrusted
with public office. Words uttered in positions of power carry weight, shaping
public discourse and influencing societal norms. At a time when the nation
marks National Women’s Month, the responsibility of leaders to embody respect,
prudence, and integrity becomes even more pronounced. Public office, after all,
is not merely a platform for speech but a constant reminder that leadership is
measured not only by authority, but by the discipline to speak with dignity and
the wisdom to exercise restraint.
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