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The Filipino congressional candidate is facing potential disqualification from the upcoming May elections after making controversial statements about single mothers.
Filipino congressional candidate Christian Sia. (Instagram/@tagapasigsia)
A Filipino congressional candidate is under scrutiny for misogynistic remarks made during his campaign. During a speech on April 3, Christian Sia, a lawyer-turned-politician and congressional candidate from Pasig City, made comments about single mothers, which many have deemed “sexist and degrading”.
Sia is facing potential disqualification from the upcoming May elections after making controversial statements about single mothers and his assistant’s physical appearance.
“Any lonely, single mother who is still having her period… let me be clear, she should still be having her period, I will sleep with her for one night,” he said at a rally,” the South China Morning Post quoted Sia’s statement.
After his controversy, the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a show cause notice asking him to explain why his remarks should not lead to sanctions or removal from the ballot.
Women’s rights organisations condemned his statement, arguing that Sia’s comment trivialised the challenges faced by single parents, turning their struggles into a crude punchline.
Christian Sia apologised on Friday, shifting blame to the person who uploaded the video, claiming it was edited to exclude the audience’s laughter in response to his comment. He claimed his remark was meant to add “shock” value to his speech. He later apologised, stating, “If I hurt your feelings, I apologise”.
The women’s rights organisation Gabriela submitted a letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo of the Philippines, pressing the Supreme Court to disbar Sia due to his remark. According to the group, Sia’s apology was “wanting of any ounce of sincerity and evidently was merely an afterthought to troubleshoot the public uproar and backlash that he created”.
“It is an attack against the dignity of every woman and a clear disrespect for the pain and struggle every single mother endures day to day. With Sia, there will be no safe space for women – whether in or outside the courtroom,” the statement added.
Elizabeth Angsioco, chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines, warns that politicians making derogatory comments about women are likely to introduce discriminatory laws or block initiatives promoting women’s rights.
Later, Pasig councillor candidate Shamcey Supsup-Lee declared her resignation on Tuesday from the team of mayoral hopeful Sarah Discaya, which includes Mr Sia as a member.
“As a woman and a mother, I do not tolerate statements – whether made in jest or in earnest – that diminish or disrespect women. I believe we all have moments to learn from, and I hope this becomes one of them,” Ms Lee said.
