MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued another show cause order (SCO) against Pasig City congressional candidate Christian “Ian” Sia for another controversial remark against his own female staff during a campaign sortie.
In a statement on Tuesday, the poll body, through the Task Force in Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE), ordered 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,” Comelec said.
“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 added.
In a video posted on social media, Sia invited his assistant “Jaja” on stage and went on to make comments about her weight.
“Nung magkasama tayo, ito na ang katawan ni Jaja. Ang punto ko, ganyan ho ba ang magiging staff ng manyak?” said Sia.
This is the second SCO Sia received after Comelec issued a similar order last week for his “joke” that single mothers could sleep with him once a year should he win in the upcoming elections.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia has once again reminded candidates to be respectful during their campaign sorties.
“Sana learning lesson ito sa lahat na hindi pupuwede na ang jokes natin ay di tayo responsible,” Garcia said.
“We should be man and woman enough to accept responsibility sa sinasabi natin sapagkat ang entablado ay di ginagamit sa pambabastos ng iba,” the poll body chair added.
Aside from Sia, the Comelec previously issued SCOs against 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, covers acts of bullying and discrimination involving gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others./PN
