A viral video showing Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay casually vaping during a House of Representatives session has drawn public attention and criticism online. The incident, captured during discussions about Vice President Sara Duterte’s budget, sparked debate over whether vaping is allowed inside the plenary hall.
In the now widely circulated video, Congressman Suntay can be seen seated behind Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab, who was appealing to fellow lawmakers not to cut Duterte’s proposed budget. While Ungab spoke passionately at the podium, Suntay appeared calm and unbothered—holding what looked like a vape device and exhaling vapor during the televised session.
Lawyer and political commentator Atty. Jesus Falcis was among those who questioned the lawmaker’s behavior. In a Facebook post, Falcis wrote, “While Congressman Ungab was raising an appeal for Sara Duterte’s budget not to be cut, Quezon City District 4 (DDS) Congressman Bong Suntay can clearly be seen vaping casually behind Ungab. Very chill and relaxed, parang walang seryosong pinag-uusapan ang House.”
Falcis cited Section 98 of the House Rules, which prohibits smoking within the premises of the chamber. “Ang alam ko, bawal ang smoking sa House of Representatives under Section 98 of its Rules. Ang vaping ba, hindi din bawal?” he asked. He further pointed out that vaping still poses health risks, including secondhand exposure. “Carcinogenic din yan and may secondhand smoke risks. Madami nag-aakala na safer than cigarettes but that’s just vaping industry propaganda,” he added.
The lawyer also called on House Speaker Martin “Bojie” Dy Jr. to clarify the rules regarding vaping inside the plenary hall. “That’s not setting a good example to the youth,” Falcis said, noting that the video was widely viewed, especially by supporters of Vice President Duterte.
CAUGHT ON CAM – CONGRESSMAN VAPING!
— Jesus Falcis 🇵🇭 (@jesusfalcis) October 11, 2025
While Congressman Ungab was raising an appeal for Sara Duterte’s budget not to be cut, Quezon City District 4 (DDS) Congressman Bong Suntay can clearly be seen VAPING casually behind Ungab.
Very chill and relaxed, parang walang seryosong… pic.twitter.com/k6UChmszE9
As of this writing, Congressman Suntay has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The House leadership has also not released a comment on whether vaping is explicitly covered under the chamber’s smoking ban.
The video continues to circulate on social media, with netizens divided—some defending Suntay’s action as harmless, while others argue that it reflects a lack of decorum expected from public officials.