MANILA, Philippines — Actress and television host Anne Curtis on Saturday spoke out against the “vulgar” remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay during a House hearing earlier this week.

Curtis released a lengthy statement on social media saying that she initially held off from responding while ensuring the safety of her family who had been stranded in the Middle East.

“I am home now, and now I’m ready to say what needs to be said. Not for revenge or drama, but because remaining silent would be wrong… for me, and for every woman watching,” she said.

Curtis said she was shocked and hurt after learning that her name had been used in a “vulgar, sexualized analogy” during a congressional hearing.

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“My name disgustingly used without my consent, in the wrong context, and more importantly, without an ounce of respect,” she said.

“My initial reaction was one of shock. I was hurt, disturbed by how perverted it was, and angry,” Curtis continued.

The controversy erupted after Suntay referenced Curtis during a House Committee on Justice hearing on March 3 while discussing impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. In defending Duterte’s earlier statements, the lawmaker used a hypothetical scenario involving the actress to argue that “imagination” cannot be criminalized.

The remarks drew widespread criticism online, particularly because they came at the start of Women’s Month.

Curtis said the incident highlights a deeper issue.

“What happened to me isn’t rare. It happens to women every day… in offices, in group chats, in rooms where men think no one is listening, or worse, in rooms where they know everyone is and simply don’t care,” she wrote.

She also criticized the normalization of sexist remarks, particularly 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. Worse, one that tolerates it from our leaders. As they say, misogyny dressed up as a joke is still misogyny,” Curtis added.

Curtis also rejected Suntay’s apology, saying she did not accept what she described as a “non-apology.”

“I do not accept your non-apology. But I also will not carry this as a personal wound,” she pointed out.

However, she acknowledged the apology from Suntay’s wife, saying she empathized with the situation as a mother and spouse. 

“To her, and to your children: this is not your shame. Please know that,” she said.

“Every time a remark like this goes unchallenged, we lower the bar for what leadership looks like. Any leader who cannot respect women does not understand leadership at all. Respecting women, after all, is simply basic decency,” Curtis continued.

Meanwhile, she also urged the House ethics committee to act on the issue and added that she is considering legal action.

“I will be seeking legal advice and will consider all my options looking forward,” she said.

The actress also thanked supporters who spoke out in her defense, including fellow celebrities and public figures such as Vice Ganda, Angel Locsin, Nadine Lustre and journalist Karen Davila.

“To everyone who used their voice to stand up for us and fight for our respect, both men and women, THANK YOU. And if anyone is wondering why Women’s Month still matters — this is exactly why,” Curtis ended.