Comelec Disqualifies Ian Sia
IAN SIA – The Pasig City congressional candidate has been disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) due to sensitive remarks he made during his campaign rallies.
The Comelec Second Division issued the disqualification on the grounds that Sia violated Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code, which upholds the standards of conduct for campaigns. His comments were deemed discriminatory, particularly his remarks about single mothers and a female staff member during his rally on April 2, 2025.
Sia’s comments, made in a joking manner, suggested that single mothers could “sleep with him” once a year. This comment was made while discussing solo parent support programs proposed by a fellow candidate. Despite some laughter from the audience, the remarks were widely condemned online as inappropriate and disrespectful, especially since they came shortly after Women’s Month and during Solo Parents Week.
In response to the backlash, Sia attempted to defend his actions by claiming that his comments were meant as a joke to re-engage the audience. He expressed regret if his remarks had hurt anyone and explained that the viral video of the event did not show the audience laughing, which he believed would have put the comment into context.
In addition to the disqualification, the Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a show cause order against Sia, asking him to explain why he should not face disciplinary action for his insensitive remarks. This order followed a formal complaint filed by two lawyers, as well as pressure from women’s rights groups such as GABRIELA. The controversy has led to widespread condemnation from public figures, including DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who emphasized the importance of sensitivity when discussing social issues, and Pasig council candidate Angelu De Leon, who criticized the timing of the comments.
Sia continues to face growing scrutiny from both legal authorities and the public, as his comments have sparked discussions about the standards of conduct for political candidates.