Comelec files disqualification case vs Pasig candidate Ian Sia

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed a disqualification petition against Pasig City congressional candidate Christian "Ian" Sia.

The petition, filed motu proprio by Comelec's Task Force Safe, cites Sia's remarks denounced as sexist, including lewd statements against single mothers and body shaming his female assistant.

These remarks are alleged to be a violation of Comelec Resolution 11116, the Anti-Discriminatory and Fair Campaigning Guidelines.

Sia, who is a lawyer, previously invoked his freedom of speech when asked to explain his statements.

The Comelec task force is seeking to bar Sia from running and to suspend his proclamation should he win the election.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco stated that the resolution of the petition is expected before May 12, and that votes for Sia would be considered stray if he appeals to the Supreme Court without a temporary restraining order.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia indicated that more disqualification petitions may be filed against candidates violating anti-discrimination guidelines.