Metro Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order against Pasig congressional candidate Christian “Ian” Sia over his viral campaign remarks, in which he joked about offering to sleep with single mothers.
“Ito ang ambag ko sa mga solo parent ng Pasig. Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa. Nay, malinaw, nireregla pa at nalulungkot, minsan sa isang taon, puwedeng sumiping ho sa akin,” Sia said during a campaign event.
[Translation: This is my contribution to the single parents of Pasig. Once a year, single parents, women who are still menstruating – clearly you are still menstruating and sad. Once a year, you can sleep with me.]Comelec gave Sia three days to explain why he should not face an election offense case or disqualification over his remark, which the poll body sees as a possible violation of the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines. The poll body said the statement falls under Section 3 of Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which identifies discrimination against women and gender-based harassment committed during the election period as an election offense. “Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case against you,” Comelec said in the order dated April 4. Sia, a lawyer running under the Team Kaya This slate led by mayoralty candidate Sarah Discaya, received backlash from some officials and other local bets. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian called out the remark against solo-parents, urging local bets to “elevate election discourse to a higher level.”“Using our vulnerable, poor, and marginalized sectors as the butt of jokes is not the way to go. Let’s not underestimate voters. They may laugh, but that doesn’t mean they’ll vote for you,” he said in a post. “Solo parents are real-life heroes who put food on the table against all odds. They raise their children alone through sheer sacrifice…As DSWD Secretary, I simply do not find this funny,” Gatchalian added. Actress Angelu de Leon, who is eyeing to extend her term as Pasig city councilor, also earlier clapped back at Sia’s statement but did not mention him by name.
“Bawal ang bastos sa Pasig!” De Leon said. “Ang ganitong uri ng mga salita ay hindi lamang nakakainsulto sa mga kababaihan, kundi pati na rin sa ating lipunan.”
[Translation: Perverts are not allowed in Pasig! These kinds of remarks are not only insulting to women, but also to our society.]
Sia later on publicly apologized and took sole responsibility for his controversial remark, asking critics to not drag other members of the Team Kaya This slate in the issue.
“Inaako ko po ang responsibilidad sa mga nabitawan ko pong salita. I’m sorry po na lumabis po ang aking salita at mali po ang napili kong biro para po magpatawa sa isang political caucus,” he said.
[Translation: I take responsibility for my words. I’m sorry that my words went too far and that I chose the wrong joke to make people laugh during a political caucus.]
