Several celebrities expressed dismay over Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay’s remarks about actress-TV host Anne Curtis during a House justice committee hearing. Many felt that his comment about feeling “desire” upon seeing Curtis fell short of the standards expected of public officials. Some even went so far as to label him “kadiri.”

During the March 3 hearing, Suntay defended his statement, asserting that there was nothing wrong with it. “Na-imagine ko na lang kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari. Pero syempre, hanggang imagination na lang ‘yon. Hindi naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan dahil kung anu-ano ‘yong na-imagine ko,” he said with a knowing smirk.

Suntay stood firm even after several celebrities took to social media to criticize him. He maintained that there was “nothing malicious” in his words.

Curtis’ sister, actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, issued a lengthy rebuttal on Facebook, stating, “This moment is not about one female celebrity. It is about how ALL WOMEN, regardless of profession, continue to be reduced to bodies in spaces dominated by men in power.”

She added, “When a congressman publicly narrates his ‘desire’ and imagination about a woman he once saw (or dreams he saw, I don’t know, his statements keep changing), it reinforces a culture that treats women as consumable, as spectacle, as fantasy—objects for commentary, rather than whole human beings with agency, intellect, and autonomy.”

She further emphasized, “Public office carries with it the responsibility to elevate discourse, not diminish it. The halls of government should be spaces where women are discussed for their contributions, ideas, and leadership—not as imagined scenarios. We cannot continue excusing this as ‘just being honest’ or ‘just a compliment.’ It is neither.”

Jasmine concluded, “Respect is not complicated. If we want safer environments for our daughters, nieces, and future leaders, accountability must begin with those elected to represent us.”

Broadcast journalist Karen Davila also called on Suntay to apologize, writing that as a congressman and father of daughters, he should know “how women should be talked about.”

“Please keep your sick thoughts to yourself. More than striking his comments off the record, he should apologize. Women’s Month pa talaga,” Davila said.

TV host Amy Perez defined misogynistic comments as expressions of prejudice or objectification against women, adding, “Basic respect for women involves recognizing their inherent dignity, equality, and agency as human beings, not just polite courtesy. It requires active listening, valuing their opinions, and ensuring their safety from objectification or harassment.”

Actress Gabbi Garcia also chimed in on X, saying, “If you hold power, act like it. Objectifying women, even in passing remarks, is unacceptable. We are not here to be reduced to someone’s imagination.”

Nadine Lustre reacted to the brouhaha as well, writing on social media, “Nakangiti at natatawa-tawa pa. Kadiri.”

Actress-director Bela Padilla commented that while one may not be charged for imagination, the public could “remember this video for future reference.”

“Disgusting,” actress Kyline Alcantara wrote.

“Position comes with responsibility. Lala mo,” actress Ivana Alawi posted.

Television host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal urged the public not to normalize such behavior, calling the remarks “disgusting” and criticizing what she described as a lack of remorse.

Anne Curtis has yet to issue a statement. She is currently in Oman with her husband Erwan Heussaff and daughter Dahlia Amélie.