Quezon City Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay is facing mounting backlash from his own alma mater after fellow San Beda University alumni demanded the revocation of the Distinguished Alumnus award he received last Sunday, Kodao Productions reported.
The call comes in the wake of Suntay’s “lewd” remarks at a congressional hearing, where he openly described his sexual fantasies about actress-host Anne Curtis.
In an online petition (https://c.org/BjYTfqdLbD c.org) circulated in alumni group chats, Bedans said Suntay’s comments are “diametrically opposed” to the school’s moral values.
“The basis for this call stems from Mr. Suntay’s recent conduct during a Congressional hearing, where he issued a deeply misogynistic and derogatory statement directed at a female public perso nality,” the petition read.
The petition further stressed: “Such language is not only an affront to the dignity of women but serves to degrade the very institution of the House of Representatives (HOR).”
Suntay made the remarks during the House Committee on Justice’s deliberation on the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In defending Duterte, Suntay recounted his “unspoken sexual desires” upon seeing Curtis in a Manila mall, likening them to Duterte’s assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
His comments, and subsequent attempts to justify them in media interviews, drew sharp criticism from fellow Bedans.
“A Bedan award is not merely a recognition of professional success; it is a testament to an individual’s embodiment of the Benedictine hallmarks of community, stewardship, and respect,” the petition explained.
“Revoking this award is not an act of malice but an act of institutional integrity. It is a necessary step to reaffirm that San Beda University remains a sanctuary of respect and a molder of men and women who lead with heart, not with vitriol.”
Suntay had been honored with the Ramon V. Mitra Award for Legislation during a grand ceremony at the Manila Hotel, which recognized dozens of San Beda alumni. Mitra, a former House Speaker, was also an alumnus of the Catholic institution.
The controversy quickly spilled over into Congress itself. Justice committee vice chairperson Ysabel Maria Zamora called Suntay’s remarks “inappropriate” and “ironic,” noting they were made during Women’s Month. “Such thoughts do not empower women,” Zamora said.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and other members of the committee also demanded that the “sexist utterance” be stricken from the official record.
Gabriela Women’s Party List Rep. Sarah Elago was among the most vocal critics. “There is no place for sexism and objectification of women by public officials,” she said.
“His remark is unacceptable and he should publicly apologize. Sharing his thoughts about a woman, for whatever reason, is profane and is an objectification of women.” (ZIA LUNA)
