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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Pasig City congressional candidate Christian “Ian” Sia for discriminatory remarks made during his campaign sorties.
Comelec’s 2nd division granted the petition after they found sufficient basis to rule that Sia committed election offenses.
The congressional candidate violated Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code and Section 3 of Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which prohibits discrimination against women during the campaign period.
“Respondent is hereby DISQUALIFIED from continuing as a candidate for Member, House of Representatives, Lone Legislative District of Pasig City in relation to the 2025 National and Local Elections,” the Comelec 2nd division said in the ruling.
The ruling added that his statements “fall far below the standards required of those who wish to serve the people.”
“Gusto nating i-emphasize sa lahat ng mga kandidato na obligado kayong magrespeto sa lahat…. In fact, may mga nagsasabi sa aming hanggang show cause order lang kayo. Pero pinakita ko natin na kaya, pupuwedeng magdesisyon ang inyong komisyon,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said.
Even if Sia wins the election, the Comelec reminded that his proclamation will be suspended until the final resolution of the case.
Garcia noted that he may still file a motion for reconsideration against the Comelec ruling and his name will still be on the ballot.
The disqualification stemmed when Sia jokingly said in a campaign caucus on April 3 that he offers sexual favors once a year to single mothers who are still menstruating.
Sia also uttered another remark on April 3 that appeared to fat-shame his former assistant, also a woman.
The congressional candidate defended that his statements were not meant to “discriminate, exclude, restrict, demean or harass female solo parents.”
Sia is running under the slate of Pasig mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya – who faces an issue regarding her nationality as a dual citizen.
‘Historic move’
Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas called the disqualification against a “misogynistic candidate” a “first one in Philippine history.”
“We welcome that, ‘yung disqualification kay Ian Sia sa district ng Pasig… Sumulat kami sa COMELEC. Sinabi natin at cinite natin doon kung ano ‘yung mga violation and offenses, kasi nga bastos talaga, tapos tayo ay author ng Anti-Bastos Law… Hindi pwede na ‘yung mga kandidato, ay ngayon pa lang ipinapakita na nilang ganyan sila. Paano pa kung nasa posisyon na sila? So talagang may problema doon,” she explained.
Brosas lauded the move as a “strong initial win” for women and should be a wake-up call to politicians who resort to such jokes, whether during the campaign season or not.
“This initial yet significant win is a reminder that women and solo parents have the power to demand justice and make their voices heard—a momentum we must carry through election day and beyond,” Gabriela Secretary-General Clarice Palce said.
Aside from Sia, show-cause orders were also issued against Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, and Former assistant secretary and now aspiring Manila councilor Mocha Uson for alleged discriminatory remarks.
‘Wrong’
Sia insisted that the Comelec was wrong after receiving the ruling.
“[A]ko po na nagbiro at walang ni rape at pinatay, i-di-disqualify po ng Comelec kahit wala pang naisampang kaso laban sa’kin, at mas lalong walang conviction, kaugnay sa sinasabing paglabag sa Safe Spaces Act,” he argued.
The congressional candidate explained that the Comelec has no authority to amend election laws and it can only implement laws passed by Congress.
He earlier stated that his alleged discriminatory remarks “fall within his freedom of speech.”
Solo Parents party-list previously filed an election offense complaint against Sia, citing alleged violation of RA 9006 or the Fair Elections Act over his joke.
