Women’s rights groups file ethics complaint vs Suntay
Groups advocating for women’s rights filed an ethics complaint against Quezon City Rep. Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay before the House of Representatives on Thursday, accusing him of violating laws protecting women and of conduct contrary to that expected of public officials.
Among the complainants were Gabriela National Alliance national chair Gert Libang, Gabriela Youth spokesperson Fran Reyes, Koalisyong Makabayan president and former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza and Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan spokesperson Jacq Ruiz. They were accompanied by Gabriela party list Rep. Sarah Elago.
The groups filed the complaint over Suntay’s controversial remark about actress Anne Curtis during a House hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. The lawmaker later apologized, saying he meant no malice.
“We believe there is no place for this kind of conduct among elected government officials, especially one who holds a high position in Congress. He must face disciplinary action. Congress has a responsibility and the authority to do this,” Maza said in an ambush interview after the filing.
Possible penalties
She added that Suntay violated the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act No. 9710, a law enacted in 2009 to eliminate discrimination, and protect and promote the rights of women, particularly those in marginalized sectors; the Safe Spaces Act or RA No. 11313; and the rules on the conduct of public officials under the 1987 Constitution.
Asked about the appropriate penalty for Suntay, Maza said he could be suspended for weeks, or required to render community service, or fined, with the money going to women’s organizations.
“As a lawmaker, he should know this. So one thing he should do is study the law instead of boasting that he does not need gender-sensitivity training,” she said.
Nonapology
Elago earlier emphasized the need for stronger reporting systems, mandatory gender-sensitivity training and proactive measures to protect women.
She said that all House members, particularly male lawmakers, should take part in crafting and implementing gender-sensitive policies.
Elago also called out Suntay over what she described as his “nonapology,” saying it risks normalizing harassment against women. Maza agreed, saying his apology sounded insincere.
During the impeachment hearing on Tuesday, Suntay said there was nothing criminal about Duterte’s remark that she did not attend President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address in 2024 because she was the “designated survivor.”
Her “veiled threat” against Mr. Marcos was cited in one of the impeachment complaints against her.
The lawmaker, however, said that Duterte was “probably kidding” when she made the remark. He then drew a personal analogy, recalling an incident in which he saw Curtis at a commercial establishment.
“She is really beautiful. You know, a desire inside me welled up. I felt the heat, and I just imagined what could happen. But, of course, that is only my imagination. I think I cannot be charged for what I was able to imagine,” Suntay said.
