Comelec disqualifies Pasig candidate Sia over lewd remarks

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has disqualified Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia from the May 2025 elections due to lewd remarks he made about single mothers during a campaign event in April.

Sia's disqualification came after Comelec Task Force SAFE filed a petition seeking his removal as a candidate for Member of the House of Representatives, Lone Legislative District of Pasig City. On Friday, May 9, Sia held a press conference expressing regret over his remarks but maintained that they do not warrant disqualification.

The Comelec noted in its decision issued Thursday but dated Wednesday, May 7, that Sia's public statements during campaign sorties caused injury or disadvantage to individuals' honor and emotional well-being, particularly women, revealing a lack of respect for human dignity and ethical conduct expected in political campaigning.

Sia remains eligible to run until the ruling becomes final and executory. He may file for reconsideration with the Comelec en banc before appealing to the Supreme Court if necessary.

The 2nd Division's ruling marks the first time the poll body has disqualified a candidate based on anti-discrimination rules, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia.