Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reminded candidates that marginalized groups, such as solo parents, should never be the subject of jokes.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Gatchalian expressed his disapproval of the recent joke about solo parents, emphasizing that they are real-life heroes who face adversity head-on to support their families.
He urged the public not to further marginalize them, as they raise their children with great sacrifice.
"Solo parents are real-life heroes who put food on the table against all odds. They raise their children alone through sheer sacrifice. Let’s not marginalize them further," Gatchalian explained.
"As DSWD Secretary, I simply do not find this funny," he added.
On April 3, at a campaign sortie, Pasig City congressional candidate Atty. Christian Sia made a controversial joke, stating that single mothers who are still menstruating and feeling emotional could sleep with him once a year.
"Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa at nalulungkot, minsan sa isang taon, pwedeng sumiping ho sa akin. Yun hong interesado, magpalista na po rito sa table sa gilid," said Sia.
Gatchalian, who held the positions of mayor and representative in Valenzuela City, recognized how challenging it can be to capture voters’ attention, but firmly stated that campaigns should be carried out in a clean and respectful manner.
"Hoping that election discourse is elevated to a higher level. I’ve been to these barangay-based caucuses (having run locally seven times and won multiple terms as mayor and congressman in a highly urbanized Metro Manila city), and I know how hard it is to keep voters’ attention—especially in this sweltering heat," Gatchalian said in a Facebook post Thursday.
"But using our vulnerable, poor, and marginalized sectors as the butt of jokes is not the way to go. Let’s not underestimate voters," he firmly added.
Gatchalian said that while people may laugh at jokes, it does not necessarily mean they will support those who make them.
He urged political candidates to engage with the public by presenting their platforms instead of making them the subject of jokes.
"Hindi dahil natatawa sila ay ibig sabihin iboboto nila tayo," said Gatchalian.
Today, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) anti-discrimination panel issued a show cause order against Sia, requiring him to explain why he should not be disqualified over his controversial remarks.
