Pasig Candidate Ian Sia Under Fire for ‘Joke’ About Single Mothers
IAN SIA – The Pasig congressional candidate has faced widespread criticism after making a controversial joke about single mothers during a campaign rally on April 2.
Sia, who is running under the Team Kaya This party for the 2025 midterm elections, was discussing the platforms of mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya, who plans to provide additional allowances to solo parents. When asked about his own plans for solo parents, Sia made an inappropriate comment, joking that single mothers, particularly those still menstruating and feeling sad, could “sleep with him” once a year.
The joke, which was met with laughter from some in the crowd, sparked outrage online, with many condemning it as disrespectful and inappropriate, especially for someone in his position as a lawyer and public official candidate.
Social media users and prominent figures, including Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Pasig City Council candidate Angelu De Leon, expressed their disapproval of Sia’s remarks, highlighting the importance of treating solo parents with respect. Gatchalian urged candidates to focus on meaningful discussions about policies rather than using vulnerable groups as the punchline of jokes, while De Leon pointed out the timing of the comment—just after Women’s Month and during the month when National Solo Parents Day is observed—making the remark even more insensitive.
In response to the backlash, Sia defended himself, claiming that the joke was meant to grab the audience’s attention since they had become bored after hearing other candidates speak. He apologized for the offense caused, stressing that it was not his intention to hurt anyone. Sia also shifted some blame to the video uploader, saying that the laughter from the crowd was not shown in the viral clip. Despite his explanation, the incident raised serious concerns about his judgment, with many urging candidates to maintain a higher standard in their campaigning, especially when discussing sensitive topics.