Gabriela Party-list Representative Sarah Elago has filed a complaint for disciplinary action before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines against an unnamed lawyer over alleged offensive remarks that she said violated the legal profession’s code of conduct.

The lawmaker personally went to the IBP office in Pasig to formally seek sanctions against the lawyer, which she said could lead to possible disbarment or revocation of the lawyer’s license.

“We believe that this certain lawyer has violated their code of conduct before a professional responsibility… that’s why it has been filed or will be filed before the IBP,” Elago said.

Although the lawyer was not formally named in the complaint, Elago earlier said she was open to filing a disbarment case against Ferdinand Topacio following remarks he made during a radio broadcast. Topacio allegedly admitted on air that he felt sexual desire toward the congresswoman when they previously encountered each other during a hearing at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The lawyer made the statement while defending Bong Suntay, who earlier drew criticism after making an “imagination” analogy involving actress Anne Curtis. Topacio argued that it is normal for men to feel sexual desire and said he was unfazed by criticism from Gabriela.

Elago, however, condemned the remarks, saying it was disturbing that a member of the legal profession would make statements that appear to violate the Safe Spaces Act, commonly referred to as the Bawal Bastos Law. She said the complaint seeks accountability and upholds respect and professionalism within the legal community.