Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez has also joined other celebrities in condemning the lewd remarks made by a male politician towards Anne Curtis.
During a press conference for her recent recognition as the Sexiest Woman Alive in the Philippines by Esquire Magazine, Janine expressed her stand on the controversy involving Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay’s comments. “Nakakagalit, sobrang nakakagalit. Kadiri for that to be even said out loud anywhere, more so to be said in a place of power and public office. Ang sama talaga pakinggan.”
Janine praised Anne for speaking out and fighting for every woman who has experienced the same. “Sobrang hindi okay ‘yun. Hindi katanggap-tanggap ‘yun. I applaud Anne for really speaking up against it, and I really admire what she said na kung ano man ‘yung nangyari sa kanya, it's not just about her. Parang she really used her platform para magsalita in behalf of all the women who experience these things every day.”
Janine echoed similar sentiments on accountability as she stressed the need for respecting women in all fields. “We're all behind her and we all try to push empowerment forward for all the women. No matter kung anong trabaho, kung anong suot mo, kung ilang taong ka or kung nasaan ka, talagang you know, women deserve respect, and I'm grateful that there are women like her who really are not afraid to speak up about it.”
She also hopes the issue sparks reflection, particularly among those in position, saying: “Hopefully, it serves also as a lesson to all the other men and politicians to really be reminded that that is not acceptable.”
The issue began with the remarks made by the congressman during the House Committee on Justice hearing of the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. The remarks, which included a lewd analogy with Anne, drew a widespread backlash from netizens, celebrities, and women’s rights groups.
Anne’s sister, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, defended her in a series of posts, stressing that such remarks should not be dismissed as harmless.
READ: Jasmine Curtis-Smith to QC Rep. Bong Suntay: ‘What a disgusting man’
Anne herself later issued a statement condemning the comments and refused to accept comments that ultimately diminish women.
“Now, what I will carry is the responsibility to say clearly, on behalf of every woman who has ever been spoken about this way: We deserve better. Not just now, while this topic is a hot issue, but EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.”
“Any leader who cannot respect women does not understand leadership at all. Respecting women, after all, is simply basic decency. To the ethics committee: I hope you do not let this pass. The integrity of public office depends on the standards it upholds. I will be seeking legal advice and will consider all my options looking forward,” she wrote.