Comelec division disqualifies Pasig bet Ian Sia

Metro Manila, Philippines - A Commission on Elections (Comelec) division has granted a petition to disqualify Pasig congressional bet Christian “Ian” Sia over his “sexually suggestive” and “demeaning” remarks on single mothers and women.

The Comelec Second Division found that Sia violated the Omnibus Election Code and the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines. Hence, affirming the Task Force Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections’ petition.

“The character of a candidate is as critical as his platform, for it is through his behavior that the public gauges his fitness to lead,” the Second Division’s resolution read.

“When a candidate uses his platform to demean, ridicule, or harass others, he shows himself unworthy of the trust and responsibility that public office demands,” it added.

Should Sia be elected, the poll body said his “proclamation shall be suspended” until the case is resolved.

In a campaign rally, Sia jokingly offered himself to sleep with single mothers who feel lonely as a contribution to the city’s single parents.

In a subsequent event, he presented his female staff member on stage. Describing her as fat, he asked the audience if someone like her would be a pervert’s staff.

Sia received two show cause orders for his remarks.