March 4, 2026 | Quezon City — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has called on Bong Suntay to issue a formal apology following his controversial remarks during a recent House committee hearing.
In an official statement, Belmonte said, “I urge Congressman Bong Suntay to apologize for the inappropriate remarks that he made at a recent House committee hearing. His words directly contradict the spirit of empowerment that we have worked hard to build here in Quezon City. Over the years, we have embraced the difficult work of establishing protections for women, constantly striving to honor their rights by creating safe spaces and opportunities for them.”
She added, “It is truly disappointing to witness Congressman Suntay’s casual display of objectification, on Women’s Month no less. Our policies are a declaration of our city’s values—of what we stand for and what we refuse to tolerate. We expect our elected officials to be the first to live by them.”
Belmonte also reminded the public that Suntay previously served as a member of the City Council and was involved in passing key measures protecting women, including the Gender and Development Code and the Bawal Bastos Ordinance, which penalizes lewd, malicious, and demeaning remarks in public spaces.
The mayor concluded, “We call on Congressman Suntay to take full accountability for his remarks, issue a proper apology, and conduct himself with the dignity that his office—and our city—demand. Our people deserve no less.”
This statement comes amid rising calls from citizens and women’s rights advocates for accountability from public officials who fail to uphold gender respect and equality.
