Pasig City candidate apologizes for sexist joke

Ian Sia, a Pasig City congressional candidate, issued a public apology on Friday for making an off-color joke about single mothers during a campaign rally two days prior.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls from women's rights advocates to reject sexist behavior in political discourse.

Sia faces a show-cause order from the Commission on Elections and a complaint filed by a party-list for solo parents, while Misamis Oriental Governor Peter 'Senior Pedro' Unabia also received criticism for similar remarks about nursing students.

Women's rights groups are urging Filipinos to demand leaders who uphold respect and accountability during the election period.