Shamcey Supsup resigns from Pasig political party 'Kaya This'
Shamcey Supsup, who's running as Pasig councilor in the midterm elections, announced that she's resigning from her party Kaya This following their congressional candidate's sexual joke about single mothers.
"After careful thought and reflection, I have respectfully decided to resign from Kaya This," Supsup said in her statement posted on her Facebook page on Monday, April 7.
"When I joined the team, it was with sincere hope that we could work together for meaningful change. But recent events have made it clear that my values, especially those shaped by my experience as a woman, a mother, and a leader, no longer align with the direction the team is taking," she continued.
The beauty queen, who's also an architect by profession, noted that her decision wasn't made lightly, but with "full respect" for her fellow candidates, for the Miss Universe Philippines Organization, and for the women and girls.
"I choose to stand firmly by the values I’ve upheld throughout my life: dignity, respect, accountability, and women empowerment," she said. "At this point, I believe the best way to stay true to these principles is to take a step back, reflect, and listen, to allow space for clarity before taking the next steps."
This came after her partymate Christian "Ian" Sia, a lawyer running for the city's lone congressional district, joked that single mothers may sleep with him during one of their campaign events.
During the party's caucus on April 2, Sia shared their party's platforms, especially those of mayoral aspirant Sarah Discaya, whom he said is planning to give additional allowance to solo parents. He then recalled Discaya asking him about his plans for solo parents, to which he said, "Hindi ako pwede sumulat ng batas para lang sa Pasig," noting that it must cover the entire Philippines.
"Hindi lahat ng lungsod ay mayaman," Sia continued, before delivering the controversial joke.
"Kaya ito ho ang ambag ko para sa mga solo parent ng Pasig: Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa... nalulungkot, minsan sa isang taon, pwedeng sumiping ho sa akin," he said, drawing a few laughs, including from councilor candidate Ara Mina.
"‘Yun hong interesado, magpalista na po rito sa mesa sa gilid," Sia added.
Many commenters took Sia to task in the comments section of the live video posted by Facebook page iNews Pasig. Officials also condemned Sia's words, including Rex Gatchalian, Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary, and Angelu De Leon, chairperson of the Committee on Social Services and Solo Parent Affairs of the Pasig City Council and candidate for city councilor under Giting ng Pasig led by reelectionist Vico Sotto.
Last April 4, Supsup called Sia out for his controversial joke and said she doesn't tolerate his "statements—whether made in jest or in earnest—that diminish or disrespect women."
"I've spoken to Atty. Ian and shared my thoughts with him directly," she said. "I believe we all have moments to learn from, and I hope this becomes one of them."
She noted that she had joined Kaya This due to their "shared commitment to serve Pasigueños especially in areas like legal aid, senior support, access to quality healthcare and help for solo parents."
"You can trust that I will always stand for what is right, even when it's not easy," she added. "Because that's the kind of leadership I believe Pasig deserves."
Later in the day, Sia held a press conference and apologized to the public. He said he is prepared to face any charges filed against him with "no hard feelings."
The Commission on Elections issued a show cause order against Sia, noting he may have violated the poll body's Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, which prohibit acts of bullying based on discrimination against women and gender-based harassment, among others. Comelec also cited the Magna Carta of Women and the Safe Spaces Act.
The midterm elections are set to take place on May 12. Overseas Filipinos may vote from April 13 to May 12, while local absentees—Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and media practitioners—may vote from April 28 to 30.
There will be a total of 18,272 national and local positions in the upcoming elections.
Campaign period began on Feb. 11.
