SISYPHUS’ TRICKS
By Cipriano D.C. Cabrera
I want to say a little something long overdue: the disrespect to women has got to be through. To all the mothers and the sisters and the wives and friends, I wanna offer my love and respect till the end.
— American rapper and bassist Adam Yauch
MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — Let’s talk about this honorable—but otherwise addle-brained—member of the illustrious House of Representatives who has become a controversial figure in our democratic society due to his unsavory remark during a session of the Lower House of Congress.
I just can’t get over the seemingly uncouth behavior of Quezon City District IV representative Jesus Manuel Angel ‘Bong’ Cabochan Suntay, who made an ‘imaginative’ description (and expressed sexual desire) for Australian-Filipino actress-model Anne Curtis-Smith during a House committee deliberation on the impeachment complaints against Vice President ‘Inday’ Sara Duterte-Carpio.
His comments clearly violated several laws, including Republic Act No. 11313, the Safe Spaces Act. Nine women, including members of the World March of Women, filed a complaint-affidavit against the ‘dishonorable’ lawmaker, who surprisingly seems to have little knowledge of ethics—or perhaps the law itself.
Actress Meg Imperial pushed back against what she described as Suntay’s misguided perception of the work of actresses and celebrities, emphasizing that acting is not about attracting or arousing men but about depicting slices of life on the silver screen.
In a Facebook post, Imperial stated: “Actresses are not here to arouse men. Being an actress or celebrity does not mean our job is to arouse men. Our work is for a much wider audience, not just for men.”
Well-said, from an actress who also epitomizes Filipinas’ unique beauty. She stressed that while personal feelings may be private, expressing such desires publicly—especially as a government official—crosses a line.
We strongly agree: “Private desire is one thing, but saying it out loud in public is another, especially when you are a public servant. With power comes responsibility—not only in how you serve, but in how you speak,” Meg added, asserting that women do not dress or present themselves to please men but rather for their own confidence and comfort.
“Hindi po lahat tungkol sa inyo. A woman dressing confidently is not an invitation for disrespect,” she clarified, urging government and private leaders, as well as influential figures, to use their voices responsibly.
The controversy escalated further when another controversial figure, lawyer Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Topacio, criticized Anne’s sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith for posting bikini photos online, suggesting such images invite male attention. Jasmine strongly responded to Topacio’s comment, while Anne condemned the remarks and said she is exploring possible legal action.
To end, let me just throw this gauntlet at our ‘dishonorable’ representative of Quezon City’s Fourth District: “Sir Bong, may I have the privilege to get your permission to say to you that your wife, Sheila, is f_ckable?!” I apologize, but this is to give our lawmaker a bitter taste of his own misdeed.
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