Pasig congressional candidate Ian Sia says sorry for lewd solo parent joke
Pasig Congressional candidate Christian "Ian" Sia has apologized for a sexually suggestive remark he made during his campaign. The comment, which targeted single mothers, drew widespread criticism.
In the viral video, Sia joked he was willing to "sleep with" lonely, menstruating solo parents.
"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," he said.
Speaking to reporters, he said that he sincerely wants to help solo parents and did not mean to mock them.
"I also have a sibling who is a solo parent, as well as my grandmother, so I understand what solo parents are going through," he said in Filipino. "My intention is clear to help their sector, so I offer my heartfelt and sincere apology."
According to him, the joke came from a meeting with solo parents who weren't satisfied with how the government handles things in the city.
Sia said he is prepared to face any charges filed against him, assuring that there are "no hard feelings."
Comelec has now issued a show cause order against the candidate, noting how he may have violated Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, which prohibits acts of bullying on the basis of gender-based discrimination and harassment, among others.
The poll body also cited the Magna Carta of Women and the Safe Spaces Act.
It asked Sia to explain in writing within a non-extendible period of three days upon receipt of the show cause order why a complaint for election offense or petition for disqualification should not be filed against him.
Sia's "misogynist" joke was condemned by the Gabriela party-list, which stressed that it "trivializes the woes of our solo parents, subjugating them to mere sexual pleasure while sending distasteful tones of machismo."
"Candidates spewing misogynist remarks and normalizing the objectification of women should never have a platform to amplify their distorted values," said Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, who is also running for a seat in the Senate.
“We in Gabriela party-list believe those candidates merit disqualification from the electoral race. We can call the attention of Comelec, and even file a disbarment case against Atty. Sia for violating the oath of lawyers due to his grossly immoral conduct,” she added.
Gabriela party-list first nominee and national vice chairperson Sarah Elago, meanwhile, urged Pasig residents to express their "condemnation in this kind of machism where the electoral campaign is being used as a stage" as it is "not acceptable and most of all not funny."
"Gabriela party-list will not simply let this slide. Someone has to be held accountable for this. We stand in defense of our solo parents who are in dire need of more benefits and state support, not disrespectful and lewd jokes," she said.
In an online press briefing, House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Jude Acidre also said Sia should face appropriate sanctions as the language he used is "offensive" to women.
"Hindi po pwedeng to take lightly ang mga issues na katulad ng rape, katulad ng sexual innuendos. Sa tingin natin, hindi po nararapat, naayon sa panahon ng eleksyon. Kahit hindi panahon ng eleksyon," he added. (with reports from EJ Macababbad and Jose Rodel Clapano)
