11/03/2026
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁
The Women’s Club expresses its strongest condemnation of the recent remarks made by Jesus 'B**g' Suntay involving actress and public figure Anne Curtis during a congressional hearing. What was presented as a supposed “analogy” became instead a deeply troubling display of sexualized language that reduced a woman to an object of male fantasy in a formal public setting. Such statements are not harmless jokes, nor are they trivial expressions of admiration. They are manifestations of a culture that continues to normalize the objectification of women—especially in spaces where dignity, professionalism, and respect should be upheld without question.
During the hearing, the congressman reportedly described experiencing sexual desire upon seeing Anne Curtis, openly narrating this in a public forum. This remark, which quickly circulated online, drew widespread condemnation from women’s groups, public officials, and citizens alike for its degrading nature and its implication that a woman’s presence can be casually reduced to a subject of male desire.
As an organization committed to the empowerment, dignity, and protection of women, the Women’s Club firmly asserts that this issue goes beyond a single comment about a celebrity. This incident represents a broader and persistent societal problem: the normalization of sexist language and the trivialization of women’s experiences of harassment. When such remarks are uttered by an elected official—someone entrusted with crafting and upholding laws—it becomes even more alarming. Leaders are expected to embody the principles of respect and equality, not undermine them.
This incident is particularly concerning in light of the protections guaranteed under the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313), more widely known as the Anti-Bastos Law. Enacted in 2019, this law recognizes that harassment can take many forms—not only physical acts but also verbal and psychological behaviors that demean or objectify individuals. The law explicitly identifies sexually suggestive remarks, catcalling, and other verbal conduct that objectifies or humiliates women as forms of gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and online platforms.
The Anti-Bastos Law was designed to address exactly the type of culture reflected in this incident: a culture where comments about women’s bodies, sexual desirability, or imagined fantasies are casually expressed and dismissed as humor or harmless admiration. Under this law, sexual comments, unwanted remarks about a person’s appearance, and suggestive language that creates an intimidating or degrading environment may be subject to penalties, particularly when delivered in a public or professional setting.
More importantly, the law represents the Philippines’ commitment to creating safe spaces where women can exist without fear of harassment, humiliation, or objectification. It affirms a fundamental principle: a woman’s dignity is not open for public commentary, speculation, or sexualization.
The statement released by Anne Curtis herself powerfully reflects the broader reality faced by countless women. She emphasized that what happened to her is not rare—that similar remarks occur every day in workplaces, classrooms, streets, and social gatherings. The difference in this case is that the comment came from a public official, inside the halls of government, where respect for citizens should be absolute.
The Women’s Club stands in solidarity not only with Anne Curtis but with every woman who has ever been reduced to a subject of someone else’s commentary or imagination. Whether the woman involved is a celebrity, a professional, a student, or an ordinary citizen, the principle remains the same: women deserve respect everywhere.
We therefore call on public officials, institutions, and community leaders to take this moment as an opportunity for reflection and accountability. Words matter. Language shapes culture. When sexist remarks are tolerated, they reinforce systems that make harassment seem acceptable. But when such behavior is challenged, we take one step closer toward a society that values equality and dignity.
Furthermore, we urge educational institutions, organizations, and government bodies to continue promoting awareness of the Anti-Bastos Law and gender sensitivity. Laws alone cannot eliminate harassment unless they are actively upheld by those in positions of power and internalized by society as a whole.
This incident occurred during Women’s Month, a time dedicated to honoring the strength, contributions, and rights of women. Yet it also reminds us that the struggle for respect and equality remains ongoing. Women’s Month should not only celebrate achievements; it should also challenge the attitudes and behaviors that continue to undermine women’s dignity.
The Women’s Club reaffirms its commitment to advocating for a society where women are not objectified, trivialized, or silenced. We believe in a Philippines where leadership is measured not only by authority but by integrity and respect for human dignity.
Let this moment serve as a reminder to all:
Respect for women is not optional. It is a legal obligation, a moral responsibility, and a fundamental principle of a just and equal society.
