The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Boy Villasanta
The number of multimedia stars who are throwing invective on Quezon City Fourth District Congressman Jesus “Bong” Suntay over his lewd comments on actress Anne Curtis is increasing by the day.
Since Suntay thrusted his sexual fantasies on Anne as a trigger of male’s worldly desires the same imagination as the sedition, insurrection and political destabilization cases slapped on Vice President Sara Duterte, not a few movie, television, theater and multimedia celebs reacted, mostly if at all violently, primarily on his sexist comments.
The latest addition to the long list of celebrities who have been condemning Suntay’s misogynistic comments is Rhian Ramos. According to Rhian, women are “not items. We’re not something that you can own and just use at you will…”
Ramos even takes the discussion to a historical reference, when there was an equality between men and women especially during the Spanish colonial period.” “This country is a very patriarchal country to begin with, and I think there’s not enough education to go around, so that we can catch up with the rest of the world already…”
“I’m not saying that I don’t have fantasies but I wouldn’t tell you, though. These are the kinds of things that you keep to yourself out of respect for another human being. I hope that all the good fathers can raise their sons to understand how to respect women as equals, as partners and not as something that you own,” gushes Rhian who stars with Glaiza de Castro in the “I Fell, It’s Fine.”
After the GMA Network star raises her points, she admits to Talk King Boy Abunda that she has just broken up with boyfriend Sam Versoza.
Bong Suntay vs wife
Meanwhile, on her return to the country from The Hague, The Netherlands, Bilyonaryo News Channel (BNC) broadcaster Pinky Webb wants to talk about Suntay’s mischiefs when she quips: “You know why? Because, I think that, I feel, somebody might file an ethics complaint against him. I mean, the fact, that Congresswoman Zamora said, I want that stricken out of the record, because she was offended. And I’m sure a number of women will be offended as well.”
On the home front, Shiela Guevarra Suntay, Bong’s wife, has also expressed disgust over her husband’s ungentlemanly behavior towards Anne and women, in general. “I want to be unequivocally clear: My children and I do not agree with, and we do not condone the analogy made by Bong,” says Mrs. Suntay.
Shiela clarifies that she didn’t laugh off, much more, tolerate Bong’s statements. “The news circulating, that I laughed, and therefore, approved of what was said is false, and I will not allow that narrative to stand unchallenged,” she elucidates.
Guevarra-Suntay appeals to Anne and her family. “…I am deeply sorry. No woman should be spoken about that way, and I understand if words alone are insufficient,” she apologizes.
Jodi Sta. Maria on the warpath
Actress Jodi Sta. Maria has joined the fray by saying, “The analogy wasn’t maliciously said, the person who made the remark. But the impact was clear…it made people, most especially women feel disgusted and disrespected.
“If that kind of analogy was used to make a point it clearly reveals the mindset of the person who said it.
“That’s not something we should normalize.”
Jodi’s statement is echoed by “Pinoy Big Brother” hostess Bianca Gonzalez: “Please let us not normalize this behavior. Disgusting, especially for a public servant.”
Socmed sensation Ivana Alawi expresses her disappointment, addresses the solon in the comments: “Position comes with responsibility. Lala mo.”
BASTOS says
Jasmine Curtis-Smith
“BASTOS (uncouth),” says Anne’s sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
For the meantime, Viva Entertainment Nadine Lustre takes notice of how other people seemingly tolerate Bong’s statements. “May mga nakangiti at natatawa tawa pa. Kadiri (There are those who are even smiling and giggling. Disgusting!” the maverick actress observes.
“It’s Showtime” hostess Amy Perez writes in her social media spaces these reactions: “Disgusting talaga (really). I’m so disappointed, Mr. Representative.”
On X, the former Twitter, Amy expounds her comments: “Baka di nyo alam o nabasa pa (Maybe you haven’t known or read)…Misogynistic comments are verbal, written, or digital expressions of hatred, contempt, or prejudice against women, often demeaning them through stereotypes, sexual objectification, or insults.
“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, ensuring their safety from objectification or harassment. #womensmonth.”
Curtis is one of Amy’s fellow hosts in the ABS-CBN noontime show being aired in GMA Network.
Kapuso artist Kyline Alcantara also describes Suntay’s attitude as “disgusting.”
Vice Ganda taunts Bong
Vice Ganda, another Anne’s co-host in the show, takes jab on Jayz, a contestant who at the time of the game is fixing his undergarment and about to throw it on air in “Laro, Laro Pick,” a segment of the program. Vice holds Jayz’s shirt to stop him.
“Pinag-iinit mo ‘yong ulo ko. Napunta sa’yo ‘yong inis ko kay (You are getting into my nerves. My getting the goat is now directed at you instead of being irritated on) Bong Suntay,” twits Vice.
“Wag mo nang ipakita, baka ma-imagine ka pa niya, Hindi naman ‘yon magso-sorry sa’yo (Please don’t show it anymore. He might just imagine you, He will not even apologize to you),” adds Ganda.
On its Facebook page, “It’s Showtime” posts a direct but suggestive remark: “Republic Act No. 11313 BAWAL BASTOS LAW SAFE SPACES ACT,” apparently a law enacted not only nationally but in Quezon City as well. Barbie Imperial, a fellow ABS-CBN talent of the hosts of the noontime variety show, is simple in her comment: “Yikes.”
Angel Locsin, in her socmed territory, makes a mockery out of Suntay’s statements when she says “May pamalo ako (I have a spanker like a stick)” which she can hit with anytime.
Among the male artists, Gary Valenciano as well as Joross Gamboa have shared an emoji and a GIF which express shock and embarrassment.
Character actor Joel Saracho says Bong is very rude.
Karylle’s husband and Sponge Cola frontman Yael Yuzon runs a caption in the video, “Ang (The) meta ah (huh)” which he accompanies by a vomiting emoji.