MANILA – A political watchdog group is calling for Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia to withdraw from the Pasig congressional race following a misogynistic joke that sparked widespread outrage.

Sia made the remark during a recent campaign rally, suggesting that if he wins in 2025, he would cater to the “sexual needs” of menstruating single mothers.

“Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa – Nay, malinaw, nireregla pa – at nalulungkot, minsan sa isang taon, puwedeng sumiping ho sa akin,” Sia said in the video posted on social media. “’Yun hong interesado, magpalista na ho rito sa mesa sa gilid.”

The controversial statement has drawn intense condemnation, with critics accusing him of reducing women to mere objects for sexual gratification.

Kontra Daya Slams Sia’s Remarks

Kontra Daya, a political watchdog group, quickly called for Sia’s withdrawal from the congressional race, denouncing the comments as not only inappropriate but deeply misogynistic.

“His joke about accommodating the ‘sexual needs’ of single mothers is as inappropriate as it is unfunny,” the group said in a statement. “It reinforces patriarchy by reducing women to mere objects for procreation and pleasure.”

Kontra Daya further criticized Sia’s apology, calling it “half-baked.”

“He claimed that people laughed at his joke—this doesn’t make it right,” said Kontra Daya convenor Prof. Danilo Arao. “No candidate should be cracking jokes about menstruation or solo parenting. It’s idiotic and offensive.”

Kontra Daya added, “Pasigueños should think twice about supporting candidates who promote misogyny and normalize gender discrimination.”

Sia’s Response to Backlash

In response to the overwhelming backlash, Sia addressed the controversy on Friday, issuing an apology in a press conference.

“Inaako ko po ang responsibilidad sa mga nabitawan ko pong salita. I’m sorry po na lumabis po ang aking salita at mali po ang napili kong biro para po magpatawa sa isang political caucus,” Sia said.

He also claimed that his supporters should be upset with the uploader of the video for only showing the part where he made the joke, and not the audience’s reaction. “Wag po kayo magalit sakin, magalit po kayo sa gumawa ng video… Ang nakita lang sa video yung sinabi, pero yung reaksyon ng tao, hindi nakita na tumawa, yun lang ang purpose ng joke,” he said.

Sia is running against the incumbent, Roman Romulo, who is seeking a third and final term. Romulo is part of the reelectionist Mayor Vico Sotto’s Giting ng Pasig ticket. Sia, on the other hand, is allied with Sotto’s challenger, businesswoman Sarah Discaya, and serves as her spokesperson.

Sia accused his political opponents of turning his joke into a national issue. “Inililihis nila ang isyu dahil ayaw nilang sagutin ang aming hamon,” Sia said in a press release.

Philippine Commission on Women Weighs In

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) did not hold back, calling for responsible campaigning and condemning the use of harmful rhetoric by candidates.

“Campaigns should serve as a venue for meaningful discussions, not as a stage for inappropriate jokes at the expense of marginalized groups,” the PCW said in a statement. “Sia’s attempt to justify his remarks by blaming the crowd for laughing shows his complete disregard for women’s dignity.”

COMELEC Takes Action

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has stepped in on Friday, issuing a show-cause order demanding that Sia explain why he shouldn’t face election offense charges for his insensitive remarks. According to COMELEC’s Resolution No. 11116, bullying or discrimination against women during a campaign is considered an election offense.

“We commend COMELEC for stepping in,” Arao said. “But now, we challenge them to act swiftly and decisively. If they’re serious about protecting women’s rights, they must hold Sia accountable.”

Vico Sotto Responds to Sia’s Allegations

Meanwhile, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, who has been dragged into the controversy by Sia, dismissed allegations that he and his allies are behind the viral video. Sotto said, “Marami namang nagmemention ng pangalan ko it doesn’t really matter. Ang importante focus tayo sa ginagawa natin lalo na ako na nakaupo so focus pa rin sa trabaho di naman natatapos di naman humihinto ang trabaho dahil may campaign period so dire-diretso…”

📷 Christian Sia FB