Comelec orders Sia to respond to disqualification petition over remarks

The Commission on Elections Second Division has given Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia five days to respond to a petition seeking his disqualification from the May 12 elections over remarks about single mothers.

Sia's summons, dated April 21, requires him to file a verified answer either personally or via email within five non-extendible days or face barred submission of evidence.

The Comelec Task Force SAFE filed a disqualification petition against Sia for allegedly violating the poll body's anti-discrimination rules following his controversial remarks during an April 3 campaign sortie.

Sia has apologized but maintains that his remarks did not violate or discriminate against women, arguing they fall within his freedom of speech.

Meanwhile, the Comelec issued a show-cause order against Cabiao, Nueva Ecija mayor Ramil Rivera over his alleged offensive remark against his rival during a campaign rally.