CHR demands stricter adherence to gender sensitivity in Congress after Suntay remarks

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called for stricter enforcement of gender-sensitivity standards in the House of Representatives following the “desire” remarks of Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay about actress Anne Curtis.

In a statement on Thursday, CHR said the House should be a good example by upholding respect for women and zero tolerance for sexist remarks, sexual objectification, or discrimination.

“Beyond symbolic corrective measures, the Commission calls on Congress to reinforce its code of conduct and ensure the consistent application of gender-sensitive standards and language within its proceedings,” CHR said.

The commission condemned Suntay’s remarks, calling them “troubling” as the country celebrates Women’s Month this March.

“Regardless of intent, remarks that sexualize or demean women undermine the country’s hard-earned progress toward gender equality and reinforce attitudes that trivialize harassment and discrimination,” CHR said.

“If left unaddressed, such conduct risks fostering an unsafe atmosphere within the halls of Congress where unwanted, uninvited, and sexualized remarks toward women may be casually made or tolerated,” it added.

During Tuesday’s House committee hearing, Suntay defended Vice President Sara Duterte for expressing her desire to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He said Duterte’s remarks are just matters of imagination and not impeachable, like his own thoughts about Curtis, which made him feel “sudden heat.”

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives ordered Suntay to face the House Committee on Ethics over his controversial remarks.

Suntay had apologized for his statement, but he maintained that these were not malicious. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News