Comelec issues second show cause order vs Pasig bet Ian Sia

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued another show cause order (SCO) against lawyer Christian "Ian" Sia, who is running for representative of Pasig City's lone congressional district, this time over his alleged misogynistic remarks against his own female staff during a campaign sortie.

This developed after the poll body, through the Task Force in Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE), on Tuesday ordered Sia to explain why he should not be disqualified from the May polls over his possible violation of its anti-discrimination resolution.

"In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to show cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt hereof and to explain why a complaint for election offense and / or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you," the Comelec said.

"Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case against you," it added.

This is the second SCO that the Pasig bet received after the poll body issued the same order last week for his "jokes" that single mothers could sleep with him one a year should he win in the upcoming elections.

His remark earned flak from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and several politicians including his erstwhile party mate, beauty queen-turned-candidate for Pasig councilor Shamcey Supsup.

Women's advocacy group Gabriela submitted Monday a letter asking the Supreme Court to look into Sia's remark about sleeping with single mothers.

Sia has apologized for his statement.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia has repeatedly reminded Eleksyon 2025 candidates to remain respectful during their campaign as the Comelec issued SCOs against two more bets, namely re-electionist Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan.

"Sana learning lesson ito sa lahat na hindi pupuwede na ang jokes natin na addressed sa iba ay di tayo responsible sa lahat ng ating ginagawa at sinasabi. We should be man and woman enough to accept responsibility sa sinasabi natin sapagkat ang entablado ay di ginagamit sa pambabastos ng iba," said Garcia.

(We're hoping this will serve as a learning lesson that we should be responsible over our words and actions. We should be man and woman enough to accept responsibility with our remarks because the stage is not meant to disrespect others.)

Comelec Resolution 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, which includes discrimination against women and gender-based harassment. The resolution also covers acts of bullying and discrimination involving gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

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