Pasig City congressional candidate Christian ‘Ian’ Sia. (File image)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered lawyer Christian “Ian” Sia, who is running for representative of Pasig City’s lone congressional district, to explain alleged misogynistic remarks against his own female staff during a campaign sortie.

Comelec’s Task Force in Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE), has issued a second show cause order (SCO) against Sia to explain why he should not be disqualified from the May polls over his possible violation of its anti-discrimination resolution.

“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 Comelec said.

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

This is the second SCO that the Pasig bet received after the poll body issued the same order last week for his “jokes” that single mothers could sleep with him one a year should he win in the upcoming elections.

His remark earned flak from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and several politicians including his erstwhile party mate, beauty queen-turned-candidate for Pasig councilor Shamcey Supsup.

Women’s advocacy group Gabriela submitted Monday a letter asking the Supreme Court to look into Sia’s remark about sleeping with single mothers.

Sia has apologized for his statement.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia has repeatedly reminded Eleksyon 2025 candidates to remain respectful during their campaign as the Comelec issued SCOs against two more bets, namely re-electionist Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan.

Comelec Resolution 1116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, which includes discrimination against women and gender-based harassment. The resolution also covers acts of bullying and discrimination involving gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others.