PASIG CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a second show-cause order (SCO) against Christian “Ian” Sia, a lawyer running for representative of Pasig City’s lone congressional district—this time over alleged misogynistic remarks directed at his own female staff during a campaign sortie.

The new order was filed by the COMELEC’s Task Force in Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE), which on Tuesday directed Sia to explain why he should not be disqualified from the May 2025 polls for potentially violating the poll body’s anti-discrimination resolution, COMELEC Resolution No. 11116.

“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to show cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt hereof and to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” the order states.

“Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed as a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case against you,” it adds.

The issue stems from remarks Sia made during an April 3 campaign activity, which were captured in a video posted by YouTube channel @TribuneNOW, bearing the watermark of The Daily Tribune. In the video, Sia made comments about a female staff member, referencing her weight and physical appearance over the years.

The full quote, delivered in Tagalog, reads:

“Kahit po ang mga staff ko po, tipikal po, puro lalaki, isa lang ho ang kasama kong babae nung araw. Isa lang po ang kasama kong babae, si Jaja. Nasaan si Jaja? Nagdadiet ba? Magpakita ka lang, para di ka pagselosan. Asawa ni Eweng, ka-batch ko. Ngayon kasama na ho ni Atty. Tantan… Magpakita ka lang Jaja. Yan. Yan ho ang staff. Jaja, ano ba hitsura mo nung nakaraang labinlimang taon. Payat? Ah hindi, nung nakuha ka na ni Eweng. Mataba ka na. Nung magkasama pa lang tayo, ito na ang katawan ni Jaja. Give or take. Labas mo na lang yung picture. Huwag na tayong magtalo dito sa harap. Ang point ko ho. Iyan po ba ang magiging staff ng manyak? Di ho. Ang kasama ko naman ngayon, asawa ni Kuya Mario, si Ate Olive. Fifty-nine years old. Di ho. Pagdating po sa babae, malinaw po, ang babae ay nirerespeto at minamahal.”

COMELEC Chair George Erwin Garcia confirmed on Tuesday that the poll body’s anti-discrimination task force is actively investigating the matter.

“Atty. Sia made remarks directed at his assistant, mentioning something about her physical situation,” Garcia stated. “We are issuing a show-cause order today.”

This is the second SCO Sia has received in less than a week. The first was issued over a separate incident where he joked during a campaign event that single mothers could sleep with him once a year if he were elected. The COMELEC considers both incidents potential violations of gender sensitivity and fair campaigning standards outlined in the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313).

Garcia also said the poll body had not received Sia’s response to either show-cause order as of Tuesday morning. If no response is submitted, it will be treated as a waiver of his right to be heard, paving the way for formal legal action. Garcia also confirmed that Sia’s pending cases may be consolidated.

The COMELEC chairman used the incident to remind all candidates in the upcoming May elections to act responsibly. He revealed that Sia is not alone, as show-cause orders were also issued against re-electionist Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan over separate issues.

“Sana learning lesson ito sa lahat na hindi pupuwede na ang jokes natin na addressed sa iba ay di tayo responsible sa lahat ng ating ginagawa at sinasabi. We should be man and woman enough to accept responsibility sa sinasabi natin sapagkat ang entablado ay di ginagamit sa pambabastos ng iba,” said Garcia.

The controversy has already caused political fallout. Councilor candidate and former Miss Universe Philippines Shamcey Supsup-Lee announced her resignation from Team Kaya This, citing a fundamental misalignment of values.

“After careful thought and reflection, I have respectfully decided to resign from KAYA THIS,” Supsup said. “Recent events have made it clear that my values—especially those shaped by my experience as a woman, a mother, and a leader—no longer align with the direction the team is taking.”

The former beauty queen also paid tribute to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization and the women and girls who look to her as a role model.

Supsup also emphasized her commitment to values of dignity, respect, accountability, and women’s empowerment, saying,

“I believe the best way to stay true to these principles is to take a step back, reflect, and listen.”

“I am grateful to KAYA THIS for the opportunity, and I wish everyone well,” she said—with grace, poise, and just the right amount of sass.

However, it’s still unclear whether the beauty queen-turned-council bet is bowing out of the race entirely or if she’s gearing up to run as an independent. Her camp has yet to confirm her next move.

Meanwhile, Sia, now facing an election offense complaint filed by the Solo Parents Party-list, tried to walk back his remarks, blaming the video uploader for allegedly cropping out context and accusing Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto of playing politics.

Sotto brushed off the jab.

“Alam naman po siguro ng tao kung ano ang totoo. Tao na po ang magsasabi,” he said, letting the public be the judge.

COMELEC issued a show-cause order to Sia last Friday, giving him until Monday to explain why he shouldn’t face disqualification.

Women’s rights group GABRIELA has also asked the Supreme Court to impose appropriate sanctions on Sia, calling his statements both offensive and damaging to the dignity of women, particularly solo mothers.

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