EXCLUSIVE: Did Bong Suntay have a gay affair with Ferdinand Topacio?

Unverified online rumors circulating on Reddit have alleged that Suntay had a gay affair with Topacio, a claim for which there is no evidence and which remains unsubstantiated.

Quezon City Rep. Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay faced widespread condemnation after remarks he made about actress Anne Curtis during a House committee hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte on March 3, 2026 sparked accusations of sexism and prompted multiple complaints filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Lawmakers and women’s organizations said the statements revived concerns about gender-based harassment and the legal protections provided under the Safe Spaces Act and the Magna Carta of Women.

During the March 3 hearing, Suntay used an analogy involving Curtis in which he described feeling desire and heat upon seeing the actress but claimed he could not act on it, while linking the example to arguments that threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should not always be interpreted literally.

Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Janice Degamo countered the reasoning by pointing to the killing of her husband, former Gov. Roel Degamo, as evidence that threats can translate into real and deadly consequences.

Women’s advocacy groups criticized Suntay’s remarks as reducing a public figure to sexualized material and described the comments as a form of gender-based harassment.

The Movement for the Safety and Welfare of Women Journalists and Stet–Women in Cebu Media said the statements were sexist and demeaning and insisted such conduct had no place in Congress.

Several complainants filed cases with the Office of the Ombudsman citing violations of the Safe Spaces Act, the Magna Carta of Women and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The complaints asked authorities to examine potential administrative and criminal liability under laws governing public officials and lawyers.

The Safe Spaces Act defines gender-based harassment to include intrusive gazing, taunting and misogynistic remarks and carries penalties ranging from fines of P1,000 to P500,000 and possible jail terms from 12 hours to six months depending on severity and frequency.

The Magna Carta of Women requires government officials to refrain from discrimination against women and to actively uphold and protect women’s rights, with possible sanctions that can be referred to the Civil Service Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Complainants also argued that the remarks conflicted with professional ethical standards expected of public officials and members of the legal profession.

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla was cited as set to look into the complaints in early March 2026 as advocates pressed for accountability beyond an apology or the removal of the remarks from the official hearing record.

The Ombudsman and other oversight bodies are expected to determine whether to open formal investigations and recommend sanctions.

Suntay could face administrative proceedings and possible criminal review depending on the outcome of those processes.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio publicly defended Suntay and made additional controversial remarks involving Curtis and her sister Jasmine Curtis during his radio program on DWIZ.

Topacio, who has previously drawn criticism for expressing admiration for fascist dictator Adolf Hitler and displaying a portrait of him in his office, also directed comments toward Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago while defending Suntay.

The lawyer argued that men experience desire and suggested that criticism of Suntay from Elago and the Curtis sisters was unwarranted.

Topacio further said he had felt attraction toward Elago when she previously served as a representative of the Kabataan party list.

He also questioned Jasmine Curtis over posting bikini photos online and implied such images invite desire.

Elago and fellow lawmakers ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co condemned Topacio’s statements as degrading attacks that amounted to harassment.

The legislators described the comments as an abuse carried out under the cover of legal authority and accused the lawyer of resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing criticism of Suntay’s remarks.

They also warned that blaming women’s appearance for objectification reflects a culture that normalizes harassment and undermines women’s dignity.

The lawmakers called on the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to investigate Topacio for conduct unbecoming of a lawyer and urged radio station DWIZ and its management to review the content broadcast during the lawyer’s program.