Sorry not sorry? Suntay regrets ‘pain’ caused by Anne Curtis remark but says analogy ‘effective’

Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay apologized for a lewd remark involving actress Anne Curtis but stated he does not regret making the analogy, claiming it finally brought him media attention.

Suntay’s Apology and Justification

“Anne, that analogy was not meant [to be] malicious. It was an analogy based on the context of this (impeachment) proceeding. It may have been a bad taste for some, I apologize. Kung meron tayong sensitivities na tinamaan but it was not the intention (If we hurt some sensitivities, that was not the intention). The intention was to make a point that oftentimes, statements are taken out of context and conclusions are made. ‘Yun ang unang punto,” Suntay said in a media interview on Wednesday, March 4.

He further explained his analogy stressed that “desires and imagination cannot be made an impeachable offense.” Suntay made the comments while defending Vice President Sara Duterte’s kill threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the March 3 impeachment hearing against Duterte.

Suntay argued his remarks on evoking a sexual fantasy about Curtis and not acting on this “desire” were “taken out of context,” and further proved his point. The House justice committee removed his statement from the record following a motion by panel vice chair San Juan Representative Bel Zamora due to its misogynistic and lewd nature.

His remarks drew criticism from Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Curtis’ sister, actress Jasmine Curtis, the Philippine Commission on Women, and government unions who are seeking his reprimand.

“Well, I regret na may nasaktan. But I don’t regret making that analogy kasi ngayon napansin ‘nyo na ang statement ko na ang dapat ang miyembro ng kumite should remain impartial,” Suntay said, lamenting the previous lack of media attention.

(Well, I regret that some people were hurt. But I don’t regret making that analogy because now you’ve paid attention to my statement that members of the committee should remain impartial.)

Suntay concluded, “If you want to drive a point, you have to take a hit.”