Comelec summons Pasig bet anew for body shaming

MANILA, Philippines — After receiving flak for his sexist remarks on single mothers, lawyer and Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia is facing another show-cause order from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for body shaming.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Sia would be compelled to explain in writing within three days why he should not be disqualified and charged with an election offense.

The Supreme Court also directed Sia to explain why he should not be subjected to disciplinary action.

The high court gave Sia 10 days to show cause after a complaint was filed against him by lawyers Allen Liberato-Espino and Michelle Laserna-Adricula.

Sia was ordered by the Comelec to explain his remarks about his assistant’s physical appearance during a campaign sortie.

“Failure to comply with this order shall be construed as a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of an election offense against you,” the Comelec said.

In a video posted online, Sia invited his female assistant on stage and joked about her weight.

“Ano ba hitsura mo noong nakaraang 15 taon? Payat? Ah hindi, noong nakuha ka na ni Eweng, mataba ka na. Noong magkasama pa lang tayo, ito na ang katawan ni Jaja,” Sia told the crowd during a campaign event. “Iyan po ba ang magiging staff ng manyak? Of course not.”

According to Comelec Task Force SAFE, Sia violated the anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.

Sia is facing disqualification and disbarment complaints for saying that single mothers, especially those who are still menstruating, could sleep with him once a year if he gets elected.

The poll body has summoned Sia for his remarks about single mothers, but he has yet to comply with the order.

Shamcey resigns from Discaya slate

Following Sia’s lewd remarks against women, Miss Universe Philippines 2011 Shamcey Supsup, who is running for councilor in Pasig’s first district, resigned from the team of mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya.

In a statement yesterday, Supsup said her decision to leave the slate was prompted by “misalignment of values.”

“This decision is not made lightly, but with respect for my fellow aspirants, for the Miss Universe Philippines Organization whose mission I carry and for the women and girls who look to me for strength and clarity,” she said. “I choose to stand by the values I’ve upheld throughout my life: dignity, respect, accountability and women empowerment.”

Anti-discrimination rules

The Comelec has issued a supplemental resolution on its anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines for the midterm elections in May.

Under the resolution, the task force is allowed to initiate a process for filing an election offense upon getting a written complaint.

The task force may also file motu proprio a complaint before the Comelec law department.

Photographs, videos, website links and screenshots are accepted as evidence, aside from documentary evidence.

A women’s group yesterday filed a bill making misogynistic and discriminatory remarks as grounds for disqualification from the elections.

“Candidates who are using platforms to spread discrimination, especially against women and members of the LGBTQ community should be held accountable,” Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said. “Women’s dignity is non-negotiable in our political landscape.” — Mark Ernest Villeza, Jose Rodel Clapano, Daphne Galvez