A principal author of the Safe Spaces Act has found a silver lining in the controversy created by Quezon City 4th district Rep. Jesus "Bong" Suntay's recent inappropriate remarks about showbiz personality Anne Curtis.

“I take note of the recent remarks made by Rep. Bong Suntay during a committee proceeding, wherein he shared a personal anecdote involving a female public figure,” former Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said on Wednesday, March 5.

Earlier that day, Suntay, a deputy minority leader, apologized for using Curtis in an analogy that offended many people in and out of Congress, since it sounded like he "objectified" the popular television host and model.

“We welcome the apology. At the same time, we should not lose sight of the real issue that this situation has brought to light,” Herrera noted.

The former House deputy speaker said the Safe Spaces Act was enacted precisely to help cultivate a culture of respect, particularly toward women, in both public and professional spaces.

The Suntay incident sparked discussions online and among lawmakers about appropriate language and conduct during official deliberations.

“As one of the co-authors of Republic Act (RA) No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act, I believe moments like this provide an opportunity to reaffirm why the law was enacted—to help foster a culture of respect, especially toward women, in both public and professional spaces,” she said.

Herrera noted that the law explicitly recognizes gender-based sexual harassment to include sexist and gender-based remarks or conduct, emphasizing that words spoken in official settings can influence the environment in which women participate in public life.

“Under the Safe Spaces Act, gender-based sexual harassment includes sexist and other gender-based remarks or conduct. The law recognizes that even verbal expressions, particularly in official settings, can shape the environment within which women participate in public life,” Herrera explained.

Herrera also says public officials are expected to uphold a higher standard of conduct in both speech and action.

“Public office calls us to a higher standard of discourse. As lawmakers, we are entrusted with upholding the dignity of every Filipino and setting the tone for how public conversations are conducted,” she said.

She added that the law was intended not only as a deterrent against harassment but also as a guide for leaders to reflect on how their words and actions affect others.

“The Safe Spaces Act was passed to encourage all of us, including those in leadership, to continuously reflect on how we speak and act in spaces of authority,” Herrera pointed out.

The ex-congresswoman also underscored that good intentions do not excuse language that may objectify or diminish women.

“The road to insensitivity is paved with good intentions. While Rep. Bong Suntay had a very valid point, his choice to use female objectification to emphasize this point left much to be desired,” she said.