MANILA, Philippines — Leila de Lima on Monday challenged Sara Duterte over her silence on misogynistic remarks made by some of her perceived allies, asking whether the vice president chose not to speak out because the comments were meant to defend her.
In a privilege speech during an all-women session at the House of Representatives marking International Women’s Month, the Mamamayang Liberal party-list representative criticized Duterte for failing to condemn statements made by Bong Suntay and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.
De Lima said that even if the two men are considered allies of the vice president, Duterte should still stand up for women.
“In the middle of this brazen and outright disrespect of women, particularly in the cases of Congressman Suntay and Atty. Topacio, we also know their remarks were made in light of the impeachment complaint against the Vice President herself. Maybe that’s their way of defending VP Sara,” De Lima said in Filipino.
She questioned why Duterte remained silent despite the remarks being widely criticized as humiliating to women.
“Is it because those speaking are her allies? Is it because the context behind their statements was to defend her? Isn’t the dignity of women far more important to her than personal or partisan interests?” she asked.
De Lima also drew parallels between Duterte’s silence on the issue and what she described as the vice president’s lack of response to China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, including alleged disrespect by Chinese embassy officials toward Filipino lawmakers and the struggles faced by local fisherfolk.
“Isn’t decency in public discourse more important than political theatrics in pursuit of a presidential ambition?” she said.
The controversy stemmed from remarks by Suntay during a House Committee on Justice hearing on the impeachment complaints against Duterte. While discussing whether a person could be held liable for a thought, he cited seeing actress Anne Curtis at a mall and imagining inappropriate acts, saying such thoughts alone should not lead to charges.
The statement drew strong criticism from several lawmakers, including Ysabel Maria Zamora, who moved to have the remark stricken from the record.
The House later authorized its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to assess Suntay’s comments following privilege speeches condemning the remark from legislators including Sarah Elago, Percival Cendaña, Ann Matibag, and Renee Co.
Meanwhile, Topacio defended Suntay during a radio interview, saying men naturally experience desire and even referencing actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Elago in his remarks, which also drew backlash.
Suntay later issued a statement expressing regret if people were hurt but maintained that his comments were taken out of context. He said his point during the hearing was that individuals should not be held liable for “mere thoughts, imaginations, or associations without an overt act.”
