Bong Suntay’s wife apologizes to Anne Curtis, says she disagrees with solon’s analogy

The wife of Representative Bong Suntay has publicly distanced herself and her children from the lawmaker’s controversial remarks about actress Anne Curtis, which drew widespread criticism for being objectifying. Sheila Guevara Suntay issued a statement Thursday asserting that she and her children do not support her husband’s comments and apologizing to Curtis.

Distancing from Husband’s Remarks

In a statement posted on social media, Sheila Suntay said, “I want to be unequivocally clear: My children & I do not agree with, and we do not condone, the analogy made by Bong. The news circulating, that I laughed and therefore approved of what was said is false, and I will not allow that narrative to stand unchallenged.”

She extended a direct apology to Anne Curtis and her family, stating, “To Anne Curtis and her family—I am deeply sorry. No woman should ever be spoken about that way, and I understand if words alone feel insufficient. Please know that my heart goes out to you, and I stand with you.”

Emphasis on Respect for Women

Sheila Suntay emphasized the importance of treating all women with dignity and respect. “Every woman—regardless of who she is, whose wife or daughter she may be, or whatever her background—deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. That is a value I hold deeply and will never compromise on,” she added.

Request for Privacy

She also requested privacy for herself and her children, stating, “We are not public figures. My children are children. No mother should have to watch her children be targeted and harassed for something they had no part in. I humbly ask the public and the media to respect that boundary.”

Context of the Comments

Suntay made the comments during proceedings regarding impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. He used his apparent attraction to Curtis as an analogy while defending Duterte’s decision to skip the 2024 State of the Nation Address. He stated, “Alam n’yo minsan, 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. Pero ‘di naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan kung ano ang na-imagine ko eh,”

Suntay’s remarks were subsequently struck from the record of the House Committee on Justice proceedings and he later issued an apology, though he maintained his stance on the analogy. Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Anne’s sister, criticized the comments, asserting that the issue extends to all women. Other celebrities also voiced their disapproval.