Actress and television host Anne Curtis on Saturday, March 7, broke her silence regarding the controversial remarks made by Bong Suntay, strongly condemning the use of her name in what she described as a vulgar and sexualized analogy.
In a lengthy statement, Curtis said she initially chose not to respond as she focused on reuniting with her family, who had been stranded in the Middle East.
“By now, many of you have heard the remarks made by Mr. Bong Suntay. A vulgar, sexualized analogy. My name was disgustingly used without my consent, in the wrong context, and more importantly, without an ounce of respect,” Curtis said.
The actress said she felt shocked, hurt, and disturbed by the comments but decided to speak out, stressing that remaining silent would be wrong—not only for herself but also for other women who experience similar treatment.
Curtis noted that incidents like this are not uncommon for women.
“What happened to me isn’t rare. It happens to women every day—in offices, in group chats, and in rooms where men think no one is listening, or worse, where they know everyone is and simply don’t care,” she said.
She added that the situation was more troubling because the remarks came from a public official entrusted with serving the people.
While criticizing Suntay’s comments, Curtis said the issue goes beyond one individual and reflects a broader culture that continues to tolerate misogyny, particularly when it comes from leaders.
“You’ve become the poster boy of something much bigger—a culture that still thinks it’s acceptable to talk about women this way,” she said, emphasizing that misogyny disguised as humor remains misogyny.
Curtis also stated that she does not accept Suntay’s apology. However, she acknowledged the apology issued by his wife, saying she understood the difficult position she must be in as a spouse and mother.
The actress likewise called on the ethics committee to take action, stressing that the integrity of public office depends on the standards upheld by those in power.
Curtis said she would seek legal advice and consider her options moving forward, emphasizing that respect for women should not be limited to symbolic observances such as National Women’s Month.
“We deserve better—not just now, while this issue is making headlines, but every single day,” Curtis said. #END
News Source: IMPACT Leadership
Photo credit: PhilStar