Comelec calls out bet for single moms slur
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given a Pasig City congressional candidate three days to explain why he should not be penalized for inappropriate remarks he made about single mothers. During a campaign event last Thursday, Christian "Ian" Sia allegedly told his audience: "Ito ang ambag ko sa mga solo parent ng Pasig. Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa. Nay, malinaw nireregla pa at nalulungkot. Minsan sa isang taon, pwedeng sumiping ho sa akin (This is my contribution to the solo parents of Pasig. Once a year, for the solo mothers who still get their period. And it's clear that they are still menstruating and feeling lonely. Once a year, they can sleep with me)." Comelec's Task Force Safe said Sia may have violated the poll body's Resolution 11116, which lays down the anti-discrimination and fair campaign guidelines for the May 12 polls. Section 3 of the resolution specifically prohibits acts of bullying, discrimination against women, gender-based harassment and the use of public accommodations for sexist or discriminatory statements during the election period. Comelec also cited provisions in Republic Act (RA) 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, and RA 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, which define discrimination against women and gender-based harassment. The two laws prohibit unwanted and uninvited sexual remarks, public humiliation based on gender, sexist jokes, persistent unwanted comments or gestures, and statements that demean or objectify women. Comelec's show-cause order, signed by Task Force Safe head Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, requires Sia to submit a written explanation within three days from receiving the notice. Failure to comply will be considered a waiver of the candidate's right to explain his side, allowing Comelec to proceed with filing a case against him. Sia's remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with many calling for his disqualification from the elections. Women's rights advocates argue that such statements demean single mothers and reinforce misogynistic attitudes in politics. On Friday, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian appealed to local candidates to keep their campaigns respectful and dignified, avoiding jokes or remarks that mock the poor, vulnerable and marginalized sectors.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given a Pasig City congressional candidate three days to explain why he should not be penalized for inappropriate remarks he made about single mothers.
During a campaign event last Thursday, Christian "Ian" Sia allegedly told his audience:
"Ito ang ambag ko sa mga solo parent ng Pasig. Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa. Nay, malinaw nireregla pa at nalulungkot. Minsan sa isang taon, pwedeng sumiping ho sa akin (This is my contribution to the solo parents of Pasig. Once a year, for the solo mothers who still get their period. And it's clear that they are still menstruating and feeling lonely. Once a year, they can sleep with me)."
Comelec's Task Force Safe said Sia may have violated the poll body's Resolution 11116, which lays down the anti-discrimination and fair campaign guidelines for the May 12 polls.
Section 3 of the resolution specifically prohibits acts of bullying, discrimination against women, gender-based harassment and the use of public accommodations for sexist or discriminatory statements during the election period.
Comelec also cited provisions in Republic Act (RA) 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, and RA 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, which define discrimination against women and gender-based harassment.
The two laws prohibit unwanted and uninvited sexual remarks, public humiliation based on gender, sexist jokes, persistent unwanted comments or gestures, and statements that demean or objectify women.
Comelec's show-cause order, signed by Task Force Safe head Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, requires Sia to submit a written explanation within three days from receiving the notice.
Failure to comply will be considered a waiver of the candidate's right to explain his side, allowing Comelec to proceed with filing a case against him.
Sia's remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with many calling for his disqualification from the elections. Women's rights advocates argue that such statements demean single mothers and reinforce misogynistic attitudes in politics.
On Friday, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian appealed to local candidates to keep their campaigns respectful and dignified, avoiding jokes or remarks that mock the poor, vulnerable and marginalized sectors.
