MANILA — The wife of Rep. Bong Suntay has issued a public statement distancing herself and her children from the controversial remarks the Quezon City lawmaker made during a House impeachment hearing, after his comments referencing actress Anne Curtis sparked widespread backlash online.
The controversy stems from a House hearing linked to the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, where Suntay allegedly used a sexually suggestive analogy involving Curtis while making a point during discussions.
Clips and reports of the remark circulated widely on social media, with some individuals and netizens describing the remarks as “misogynistic,” “sexist,” “lewd,” and “demeaning.”
The incident also prompted criticism from the actress’s supporters, the public, and members of her family and management.
On Thursday, Suntay apologized for the comment, acknowledging that it was inappropriate and saying he accepted the backlash directed at him.
Amid the growing criticism, Shiela Guevara-Suntay released a statement on her social media pages clarifying that she and her children do not support the analogy used by the congressman.
“I want to be unequivocally clear: My children & I do not agree with, and we do not condone, the analogy made by Bong,” she said.
Guevara-Suntay also rejected claims circulating online suggesting she laughed during the incident and therefore approved of the remarks.
“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 said.
She directly addressed Curtis and her family in her statement, offering an apology for the remarks.
“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,” she said.
In her statement, Guevara-Suntay emphasized her belief in treating 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 said.
She also appealed to the public and the media to spare her children from the controversy, stressing that they are not public figures.
“I also make this appeal with all sincerity: please leave me and my children out of this. 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,” she said.