As the offensive joke about single mothers continues to spark controversy on social media, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through its Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force SAFE) has issued a new show cause order to a controversial lawyer and Pasig City congressional candidate, Christian “Ian” D. Sia, over the discriminatory 'body size' statement on his female staff.
According to the order released on April 8, Sia was quoted making a series of statements that were considered offensive and discriminatory towards women.
In a new viral video, the remarks included comments about the physical appearance implying to the staff's weight during a campaign activity.
“Kahit po ang mga staff ko po, tipikal po, puro lalaki, isa lang ho ang kasama kong babae nung araw. Isa lang po ang kasama kong babae, si Jaja. Nasaan si Jaja? Nagdadiet ba? Magpakita ka lang, para di ka pagselosan,” the candidate said.
“Yan ho ang staff. Jaja, ano ba hitsura mo nung nakaraang labinlimang taon. Payat? Ah hindi, nung nakuha ka na ni Eweng. Mataba ka na. Nung magsama na lang tayo, ito na ang katawan ni Jaja. Give or take. Ilabas mo na lang yung picture. Huwag na tayong magtalo dito sa harap. Ang point ko ho. Iyan po ba ang magiging staff ng manyak? Di ho. Ang kasama ko naman ngayon, asawa ni Kuya Mario, si Ate Olive. Fifty-nine years old. Di ho. Pagdating po sa babae, mainam po, ang babae ay nire-respeto at minamahal,” COMELEC quoted Sia’s statement.
COMELEC noted that the statement could potentially constitute a violation of Resolution No. 11116, particularly Section 3 of the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the May 12, 2025, National and Local Elections and BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
The resolution specifically prohibits acts of bullying, discrimination against women, and gender-based harassment during the election period.
The Show Cause Order elaborated on the relevant provisions of the resolution, citing definitions from the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), and relevant sections of RA 9006 and the Omnibus Election Code.
The resolution also emphasizes that discrimination and harassment—whether through jokes, public comments, or persistent unsolicited behavior—are punishable election offenses.
In light of the complaint, the candidate is required to respond within a non-extendable period of three (3) days from receipt of the order.
Failure to comply will be interpreted as a waiver of the right to be heard and may result in the filing of an official complaint or petition for disqualification.
The commission has asked Atty. Sia to explain why he should not be held liable for an election offense under these provisions.
Meanwhile, as of this writing, Sia’s camp has not yet released an official response.
