MANILA — A congressional candidate in Pasig City is facing possible disqualification after the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) filed charges against him on Wednesday for alleged violations of the country’s anti-discrimination and fair campaigning rules.

Christian “Ian” Sia, who is seeking a congressional seat in Pasig, has been charged under COMELEC Resolution No. 11116, which outlines the Anti-Discriminatory and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the 2025 elections.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed that the poll body’s Task Force SAFE (Safeguarding Against Fairness and Exclusion in Elections) formally filed disqualification and election offense charges against Sia at 10 a.m. local time.

Sia drew public criticism earlier this month after making remarks deemed misogynistic during a campaign event. Addressing a crowd, Sia jokingly referred to himself as an “offering” to single “menstruating” mothers — a statement that many found offensive.

Following the incident, the COMELEC’s anti-discrimination panel issued a show cause order, requiring Sia to explain his comments. While Sia responded by invoking his right to free speech and issuing an apology, the poll body found the explanation insufficient.

Garcia previously stated that Sia’s apology would not suffice, as he still needed to explain his “misogynistic” remarks. He reiterated the poll body’s stance that discriminatory language has no place in the electoral process.

Sia is also under scrutiny for separate comments regarding the physical appearance of his female assistant. A second show cause order was issued, though no further action has been taken in that matter yet.

He is the first candidate to face formal charges under the new resolution, which was promulgated in February 2025. The guidelines prohibit discriminatory language and actions against marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those living with HIV.

COMELEC has signaled that more disqualification cases are forthcoming after the Holy Week.

📷 Christian “Ian” Sia FB