Metro Manila, Philippines – A group of women advocates filed an ethics complaint against Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay for his heavily criticized remarks on actress Anne Curtis, suggesting a community service and experience what some women go through.
Four people filed the complaint with the House committee on ethics and privileges on Thursday, March 5, including former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza. Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago accompanied the complainants.
The complaint stemmed from Suntay’s remarks at the deliberations of the House justice committee on the impeachment suits against Vice President Sara Duterte, when he referenced his “desires” for Curtis to the imaginations of Duterte as designated survivor. His remarks were taken off the committee records.
In an interview, Maza said Suntay should face heavier penalties as a lawmaker.
“Dapat mas mabigat ang kaparusahan na dapat igawad ng Kongreso sa kanya. Pwede siyang suspendihin ng ilang linggo, pwede rin na magmulta siya…at ibigay sa mga organisasyon ng kababaihan,” she said.
“Pwede rin siya mag-community service. Ang ginagawa ng babae siguro sa bahay kung gano’ng kahirap ang ginagawa ng mga kababaihan sa kanilang mga bahay, pagpapakain ng anak, pag-aalaga ng asawa, ang dapat gawin niya. Maramdaman kung gaano kahirap ang ginagawa ng mga kababaihan,” Maza added.
[Translation: A heavier penalty should be imposed on him by Congress. He could be suspended for a few weeks, or he could also be fined…and the money could be given to women’s organizations. He could also do community service. Perhaps he should do the kinds of things women usually do at home — experience how difficult the work that women do in their households is, like feeding the children and taking care of the husband. He should feel how hard the work of women really is.]
Maza said Suntay should learn more about the laws, in particular the measures against sexual harassment and violence on women.
The Quezon City lawmaker apologized to those who found his remarks offensive, but insisted he was taken out of context.
Women groups, lawmakers, celebrities, and Curtis’ kin have denounced Suntay’s comments.
Ethics hearing
Ahead of the complaint filing, Suntay’s remarks were referred to the ethics committee at the plenary session on Wednesday, March 4.
The move was in light of the motion of Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag, committee on women and gender equality chairperson, urging the panel to review the lawmaker’s remarks for appropriate action.
San Juan Rep. Bel Zamora then asked the panel to schedule the hearing for a thorough assessment of the lawmaker’s comments and require his attendance at the hearing.
