Comelec 2nd division disqualifies Pasig bet Sia over 'single mom' jokes

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has disqualified Pasig congressional bet Christian Sia from Eleksyon 2025 over his lewd remarks about single mothers during a campaign event in April.

In a decision issued Thursday, the poll body division granted the petition filed by Comelec Task Force SAFE that sought his disqualification from the 2025 national and local elections (NLE).

"Wherefore, premises considered, the Commission (Second Division) resolved, as it hereby resolves to grant the Petition," the decision read.

"Accordingly, 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," it added. 

The Comelec also said that in the event that Sia obtains the highest number of votes, "his proclamation shall be suspended until the final resolution of this case."

GMA News Online has reached out to Sia for comment, but he has yet to reply as of posting time.

According to poll chairperson George Erwin Garcia, Sia may still file a motion for reconsideration against the Comelec ruling. His name will also remain on the official ballots and may still be voted for. 

“Hangga't walang pinal na decision, ang pangalan ay mananatili sa balota at ang tao ay maiboboto at maaring maproklama kung saka-sakali,” Garcia told a press forum in Manila. 

(Without a final decision, his name will remain on the ballot, and he may still be proclaimed and voted for.)

The Comelec earlier issued a first show cause order (SCO ) against Sia after he said during a campaign sortie that single mothers who still have their period and who are lonely "may sleep with him once per year."

Sia, in his reply, insisted that his remarks about single mothers did not violate or discriminate against women and that his “speech, in its entirety, falls within my freedom of speech.”

However, he was slapped with a second SCO after he made misogynistic remarks against one of his female staff during a campaign sortie for Eleksyon 2025.

Gabriela hailed the Comelec's decision, calling it a “win” for women and solo parents.

“We commend the Comelec for upholding accountability and ruling against candidates who undermine women’s rights. Sia was twice found by the Comelec to have violated women’s rights—first, through his lewd remarks against solo parents, and second, for body shaming his own staff. We hope that this will further encourage the Supreme Court to heed our appeal for sanctions against Sia,” said Gabriela secretary general Clarice Palce in a news release.

“This initial, yet significant win is a reminder that women and solo parents have the power to demand justice and make their voices heard, which we must continue until election day and beyond,” Place said.

Gabriela also called on Filipino voters to “continue demanding the highest standards of integrity from candidates and to register their just calls for concrete plans to address the grim realities faced by millions of impoverished families.'' —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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