Gabriela asks SC to sanction lawyer Sia for lewd remarks on single mothers

On Monday, April 7, women's rights group Gabriela asked the Supreme Court to impose sanctions on lawyer Christian Sia for lewd remarks he made about single mothers during his campaign.

Sia was recorded suggesting that single mothers could sleep with him if they were menstruating and lonely, which Gabriela cited as a violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

In their letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and other Justices, Gabriela emphasized Sia's remarks reflect deep-seated misogyny and serious ethical violations within the legal profession.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered Sia to explain why he should not be disqualified for his lewd remarks in the campaign trail, while also noting that Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia made a joke against women during his campaign rally.

Gabriela urged the Supreme Court to act on its own initiative as it has the power to regulate the admission to and practice of law under Section 5(5), Article VIII of the Constitution.

The group also highlighted that Sia's apology lacked sincerity, appearing to be an afterthought intended to address public backlash rather than genuine remorse.