Pasig City congressional candidate Christian “Ian” Sia is facing growing backlash over a string of controversial remarks, triggering official scrutiny from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and sparking debate about decency and accountability in public office.
The initial uproar began during a campaign event on March 28, 2025, when Sia made inappropriate and offensive comments about single mothers. In a widely circulated video, he remarked that single mothers who are still menstruating and feeling lonely could “sleep with him once a year,” even inviting them to sign up at a designated table. The comments were met with public outrage and condemnation from various sectors, including women’s rights groups and public officials.
Pasig City Councilor and actress Angelu de Leon denounced the statements as deeply disrespectful, while the women’s group GABRIELA called Sia’s words “reprehensible and degrading.” Sia later issued a public apology, describing the remarks as a failed attempt at humor. However, the Comelec issued a show-cause order demanding an explanation for what could be considered a violation of campaign regulations against discrimination and offensive conduct.
The controversy deepened when Sia again drew criticism—this time for making disparaging remarks about a former female assistant’s physical appearance. Although the assistant has not filed a formal complaint, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia noted that the commission’s anti-discrimination task force can investigate the matter independently. He stressed that an apology is not enough, and that failure to respond to the show-cause orders could result in the forfeiture of Sia’s right to be heard.
In response to the mounting criticisms, Sia has claimed that the controversies are part of a “dirty tactic” orchestrated by political rivals, specifically pointing to “Giting ng Pasig,” the group led by incumbent Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto. He alleged that the smear campaign is meant to undermine his candidacy ahead of the upcoming elections.
However, the fallout from the controversies continues. Former beauty queen Shamcey Supsup, who was part of Sia’s political slate “Team Kaya,” has distanced herself from the group and withdrawn her support following the growing issues surrounding Sia. Her departure further underscores the internal fractures within the team amid public pressure.
Adding to Sia’s woes, the Solo Parents party-list has also filed an election offense case against him, calling for his disqualification based on his derogatory comments.
With just weeks before the elections, Sia’s campaign is under intense scrutiny. The situation has not only raised serious questions about his conduct but has also highlighted broader concerns about misogyny and accountability in Philippine politics.
