Comelec files motu proprio case against Sotto's running mate for discriminatory remarks

On Wednesday, April 16, the Comelec filed a motu proprio complaint against Pasig City congressional candidate Vico Sotto's running mate Roman Romulo for discriminatory remarks towards solo parents and a female former staff member.

In a campaign sortie on April 2, Sito said he could not legislate aid to solo parents because not all districts could afford it, unlike wealthy Pasig. He also made derogatory comments about women who are lonely and menstruating. The next evening in another campaign sortie, Sito called a female former staff member 'mataba' (fat) while trying to defend his earlier remarks.

Task Force SAFE issued separate show cause orders based on each incident and Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco noted that this is the first time the Comelec has filed a motu proprio complaint involving an incident of discriminatory remarks.

Sito will either be summoned to appear before the poll body or directed to respond to the petition in writing, with potential consequences including suspension from public office if he wins and a verified complaint of an election offense has been filed against him by the Solo Parents Party-list on April 4.