Controversies
On April 2, 2025, Christian Sia drew controversy during a campaign rally in barangay Pinagbuhatan after making sexually suggestive remarks towards single mothers. He jokingly offered women who still menstruate and are lonely the opportunity to sleep with him once a year, later clarifying that he was married and that the comments were just a joke. [17]
Videos and clips of his speech soon went viral on social media drawing widespread condemnation from various groups and political figures. [17] Organizations such as the women’s rights group Gabriela, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Commission on Women, among others, issued statements denouncing his remarks. [18] [19] [20] On April 5, 2025, Sia apologized in a press conference for his remarks about single mothers, acknowledged that his comments were a poor choice and inappropriate in the context of a political campaign, but blamed the uploader of the video. [21] The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a show-cause order, citing possible violations of anti-discrimination rules. The Solo Parents Party-list filed a complaint, and Sia was suspended from campaign activities for three days by his party. [22] In response to his comments, the Solo Parents Partylist has filed a formal complaint against Sia with the COMELEC. [23] Sia has also been barred from joining any more campaign events for three days by his party.
On April 8, 2025, while campaigning in barangay Sagad, Sia made another controversial remark, this time perceived as body-shaming towards a former female staff member, commenting on her weight gain after changing employers. This incident led the COMELEC to issue a second show-cause order on April 8, 2025, requiring Sia to explain why he should not be charged with an election offense or disqualification, citing potential violations of anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines. [24]
