ILOILO CITY — Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay has apologized for his sexist remarks directed to actress Anne Curtis but key Ilongga officials condemned his behavior.

“Regardless of the intent, statements that diminish, objectify, or disrespect women have no place in public discourse. These reinforce harmful attitudes that we have been working to dismantle,” said Iloilo second district Rep. Kathryn Joyce Fermin Gorriceta in a statement.

“When a woman is reduced to commentary that undermines her dignity, we do not merely offend an individual, we reinforce a culture that tolerates sexism and trivializes women,” added Gorriceta, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality.

“It is inappropriate to hear those sexist remarks in the halls of Congress. It is inappropriate to hear them anywhere else," said Iloilo Vice Gov. Lee Ann Debuque.

“Those are not compliments, those are the objectification of women and it is a form of gender-based harassment,” added Debuque.

The lady vice governor said that if people tolerate Suntay’s behavior, it would also mean to disrespect mothers, daughters, lady friends, and other women

Mayor Raisa Treñas and Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda of Iloilo City also condemned Suntay.

“Casual objectification, whether disguised as imagination or humor, demeans women and erodes the very culture of respect and equality that we are working so hard to build,” said Treñas.

“We also have to gently, but firmly remind our fellow public servants that statements which make women objects of desire or imagination should not be normalized,” Baronda said.

For Iloilo City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, Suntay’s remarks should not be tolerated, whether it is Women’s Month or not.

“This reflects a mindset that continues to objectify and victimize women,” Mabilog said.