SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY alumni have called for the revocation of the Distinguished Bedan and Mitra Award given to Quezon City Representative and Bedan alumnus Jesus “Bong” Suntay after the legislator made lewd remarks during a congressional hearing on March 4.
The change.org petition, initiated by concerned alumni and members of the Bedan community, implored the University, together with the San Beda University Alumni Association (SBUAA), to rescind the Ramon Mitra Award recently bestowed to the congressman on March 1 at an annual awarding ceremony.
“The basis for this call stems from Atty. Suntay’s recent conduct during a Congressional hearing, where he issued a deeply misogynistic and derogatory statement directed at a female public personality,” the petition read.
This comes after the Quezon City Rep. drew flak for his offensive remarks towards celebrity Anne Curtis-Smith during the House Committee on Justice’s hearing on the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Month, his remarks drew public criticism and strong backlash online. Suntay, however, maintained that his statements were factual and not made with wrongful malice, despite continued calls condemning his position.
The Committee moved to strike Suntay’s statement from the official record after a motion initiated by Rep. Bel Zamora, seconded by Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. The committee then approved the motion in a 13-2 vote, citing the inappropriateness of the remarks.
“A Bedan award is not merely a recognition of professional success; it is a testament to an individual’s embodiment of the Benedictine hallmarks of community, stewardship, and respect. Recent actions and public pronouncements by Atty. Suntay have proven to be diametrically opposed to these sacred values,” the petition furthered.
Atty. Cleveland Buela, a fellow Ramon V. Mitra awardee and faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of Legal Management, publicly condemned Suntay’s comments.
In a Facebook post, Atty. Buela asserted how such diminishment of the notoriety of the award “violates the very principles of respect and integrity taught by our beloved alma mater.”
Suntay later apologized to those offended, still insisting his remarks were not malicious. In interviews, he said the analogy was meant to “illustrate a point” and added that he “did not intend to disrespect anyone.”
Anne Curtis-Smith, however, rejected the apology, describing it as a “non-apology.” In a statement, she said her name was used “without my consent, in the wrong context, and without respect,” calling the remarks vulgar, and urging the House Ethics Committee to hold Suntay accountable.
Suntay’s wife, Sheila Guevara-Suntay, also issued a statement clarifying that she and their children did not share his view.
On March 6, nine women filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, citing potential violations of the Safe Spaces Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.
As a member of the bar, Suntay may also face investigation under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability. A separate ethics complaint has been authorized for formal investigation by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
The Ramon V. Mitra Award for Legislation is given to Bedan alumni who exemplify integrity and public service, reflecting the University’s Benedictine formation. As of press time, the award remains with Suntay, and the SBUAA has not announced whether it will reconsider or revoke the recognition.