MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay apologized for his controversial comments about actress Anne Curtis during a House hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, although he maintained that his statement was meant only as an analogy.
The lawmaker issued the apology after several colleagues criticized his remarks, with actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Curtis’ sister, also expressing disapproval. Critics noted that the comments were particularly inappropriate as they were made during Women’s Month.
In an interview with DZMM on Wednesday, Suntay said he did not intend to offend anyone and that his statement was meant to illustrate a point during the hearing.
“For those who found the statement offensive, I apologize, but that was not my intention,” he said. “The remark was made to explain a point during the discussion.”
Suntay explained that someone at the hearing suggested that the comment be removed from the official record, but he declined because it was part of the explanation he was making.
He also reiterated that he stands by the analogy he used, while acknowledging that some people may have interpreted it negatively.
The remarks were made during a House Committee on Justice hearing on Tuesday, where lawmakers were deliberating on the third impeachment complaint filed against Duterte.
During the session, Suntay questioned allegations accusing the vice president of political destabilization, sedition, and insurrection. He argued that some claims were based only on Duterte’s presence at rallies where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was criticized, rather than on any direct action.
According to Suntay, simply attending a rally should not automatically make a person liable for sedition. He also said Duterte’s statement referring to herself as a “designated survivor” could not be considered illegal, as individuals cannot be punished for unenforceable statements or private thoughts.
To emphasize his argument, Suntay shared a personal anecdote, recalling seeing Curtis at a hotel and admitting that he had imagined certain things. He said such thoughts, however, could not be considered a criminal act.
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