Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith has spoken out following remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus Manuel "Bong" Suntay involving her sister, Anne Curtis.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Jasmine said the issue goes beyond a single celebrity and reflects how women continue to be reduced to objects in male-dominated spaces. She emphasized that public office carries the responsibility to elevate discourse rather than diminish it, and that women should be recognized for their contributions and leadership instead of being subjects of imagined scenarios.
“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 wrote.
She added that when a congressman publicly narrates his “desire” and imagination about a woman he once saw, it reinforces a culture that treats women as objects for commentary rather than as individuals with agency and intellect.
Jasmine also stressed that respect and accountability must begin with those elected to represent the public.
Her statement came after Suntay mentioned Anne Curtis during a hearing of the House Committee on Justice tackling the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, which includes allegations of political destabilization, sedition, and insurrection.
In defending the vice president, Suntay argued that her remark about being a “designated survivor” and skipping the July 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) was not illegal.
To illustrate his point that a person cannot be charged for mere thoughts or unenforceable statements, Suntay cited a personal example involving Curtis, recounting that he once saw the actress at a hotel and imagined certain scenarios, but said such thoughts were not grounds for legal action.
The remark drew reactions from members of the committee and was later ordered stricken from the official records of the hearing.
In a separate Instagram reel, Jasmine directly addressed the lawmaker, asking, “Bong Suntay, would you want men talking about your daughters this way?”
“The fact the you font find your statement immoral is aabsolutely disgusting,” she added.
