By Bea Rollo
(May 8, 2025) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) 2nd Division has disqualified Pasig City congressional candidate Christian “Ian” Sia in the 2025 midterm elections over his controversial and discriminatory remarks during a campaign event last April.
“Ito ang ambag ko sa mga solo parent ng Pasig. Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae па nireregla pa. Nay, malinaw nireregla pa at nalulungkot. Minsan sa isang taon, pwedeng sumiping ho sa akin,” Sia previously remarked.
ALSO READ: COMELEC issues show cause order vs. Pasig candidate over “siping” joke
Sia violated the COMELEC Resolution No. 11116, also known as the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaign Guidelines, which governs the conduct of candidates to ensure respectful and inclusive campaigning. The resolution explicitly prohibits discrimination against women and any form of gender-based harassment.
“Accordingly, [the] respondent is hereby disqualified from continuing as a candidate for member, House of Representatives, Lone Legislative District of Pasig City, in relation to the 2025 National and Local Elections,” the COMELEC stated in its decision released on Monday.
The COMELEC 2nd division through its Task Force Safeguarding Against Fear & Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) pin pointed the discriminatory statements Sia made during his campaign event that led to his disqualification.
It emphasized that the candidate’s words constituted a clear violation of fair campaign standards. The decision is part of the agency’s stronger push to uphold respectful discourse and protect marginalized groups during the election season.
Sia and his camp have yet to issue an official statement on the disqualification.
The ruling has drawn various reactions from the public, with human rights and gender equality advocates welcoming the decision as a step toward more responsible politics.
The case is expected to set a precedent and serve as a warning to other candidates to adhere to COMELEC’s campaign guidelines.
The 2025 elections is set on Monday, May 12.
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