Pasig bet who ridiculed single moms told: Withdraw from election

MANILA, Philippines — After using single mothers as the butt of jokes during a campaign sortie, Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia was asked yesterday to withdraw from the midterm elections in May.

Poll watchdog Kontra Daya also urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to act decisively on Sia’s remarks against single mothers.

“While we applaud the Comelec for calling out Sia, we challenge the poll body to uphold its anti-discrimination resolution,” Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao said.

Sia’s apology, the group said, is not enough, adding that he must comply with the Comelec’s show-cause order and withdraw his candidacy.

 “To say that it was just a joke is as disappointing as it is idiotic. What kind of candidate in his right mind would crack jokes to make fun of menstruation and solo parenting?” Arao said.

On Thursday, Sia told his audience that he is willing to sleep with single mothers, who are still menstruating and are lonely, once a year if he is elected.

Kontra Daya advised Pasig voters not to support candidates who promote misogyny and normalize gender discrimination.

Various groups have criticized Sia, with some seeking his disbarment as a lawyer.

The Comelec has ordered Sia to explain within 72 hours why he should not face an election offense charge for his lewd comments.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body is coming out with a resolution strengthening the guidelines against gender-based harassment during campaign sorties.

Garcia said the Comelec would not hesitate to summon candidates who violate the anti-discrimination rules.

The Gabriela party-list also urged the Comelec to take action against Sia for sexist, discriminatory and degrading remarks against women.