Beauty queen and Pasig City councilor candidate, Architect Shamcey Supsup-Lee, announced on Monday that she had resigned from the "Kaya This" political party following a controversial joke about single mothers made by one of its members.
Supsup-Lee shared in a social media post that recent developments have made it clear her values—shaped by her experiences as a woman, mother, and leader—no longer align with the direction the team is heading.
"When I joined the team, it was with sincere hope that we could work together for meaningful change. But recent events have made it clear that my values, especially those shaped by my experience as a woman, a mother, and a leader, no longer align with the direction the team is taking," said Supsup-Lee.
She explained that her choice was made with the utmost respect for her fellow aspirants, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization whose mission she supports, and the many women and girls who look to her for both strength and clarity.
Moreover, she emphasized that she has chosen to stand firmly by the values she has upheld throughout her life: dignity, respect, accountability, and women’s empowerment.
"At this point, I believe the best way to stay true to these principles is to take a step back, reflect, and listen, to allow space for clarity before taking the next steps," Supsup-Lee stated.
"I am grateful to KAYA THIS for the opportunity, and I wish everyone well," she added.
Pasig congressional candidate Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia previously drew criticism over his remark about single mothers made during a campaign sortie.
In the wake of public outrage over his remarks, which were considered discriminatory and offensive to solo parents, Sia defended himself and issued an apology to those hurt by his lewd joke.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) anti-discrimination panel issued a show cause order to Sia, demanding an explanation as to why he should not be disqualified over his controversial remarks about single mothers.
Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reminded candidates that marginalized groups, including solo parents, should never be the target of jokes.
