Pasig congressional bet Christian “Ian” Sia has formally responded to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) following backlash over his lewd remarks targeting solo mothers, a controversy that recently earned him a show cause order and widespread criticism.
In a letter dated April 8, Sia told the Comelec that the viral video of him making sexually suggestive comments was “abridged” and “maliciously spun to mislead people on social media.”
The candidate, running under the “Team Kaya This” slate, made headlines after a video surfaced where he told a campaign crowd: “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.”
This prompted the Solo Parents party-list to lodge an election offense complaint, citing a possible violation of the Fair Elections Act.
Sia, however, defended himself by saying his comments were taken out of context and fell within the bounds of free expression. “My statements were not uttered to restrict or deprive female solo parents of their fundamental human rights and freedoms,” he wrote. “My statements fall within my freedom of speech.”
He also argued that while his words may have sounded too casual, they were never meant to demean or discriminate. “My language and tone were indeed conversational,” Sia admitted.
He concluded his response by asking the poll body to consider his reply as sufficient: “For the foregoing reasons, I humbly pray that the Honorable Commission consider my answer as sufficient compliance with its Show Cause Order dated 04 April 2025.”
Sia had earlier issued a public apology and pledged to “do better” after facing public backlash.
But controversy continues to hound his campaign. The Comelec has issued a second show cause order against him—this time for allegedly body shaming a former female employee during another campaign sortie.
Following a string of sexist comments from multiple candidates, the Comelec declared on Tuesday that all election campaign areas, including digital spaces, are now to be treated as “safe spaces.”
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, who has been vocal in condemning such acts, urged stronger penalties. “It’s been going on nga nang matagal ng panahon, tapos wala talagang nasa-sanction,” she said. “Gusto natin magkaroon talaga ng action.”
Brosas is pushing for House Bill No. 11498 or the “Bawal Bastos sa Eleksyon Bill,” which seeks to disqualify candidates who commit sexist or discriminatory acts. She also called on the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to sanction Sia, who is a lawyer.
