Senatorial candidates from the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas expressed strong disapproval over a controversial remark made by Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia, calling it “insensitive” and “very immoral.”
Sia sparked backlash after a video from a campaign rally went viral, where he joked that female solo parents could sleep with him once a year. “Solo parents may sleep with me once a year,” he said, referring to women “who get their period and feel lonely.”
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson condemned the statement, saying it was highly inappropriate for someone campaigning for public office. “That’s extremely insensitive and unnecessary. It’s not the kind of message you want to send as a candidate,” he said.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto was equally critical, calling Sia’s comment “very immoral” and unfit for public service. “People should not vote for candidates who say things like this. They become either good or bad role models,” Sotto said.
ACT-CIS Rep. and senatorial aspirant Erwin Tulfo emphasized the need for respect, saying that even jokes must be weighed carefully, especially when they risk offending others. “Not everything can be a joke. We need to ask if what we say will hurt someone,” Tulfo explained.
Makati Mayor and senatorial hopeful Abby Binay also weighed in, urging fellow candidates to be more mindful of their words, especially in the age of viral social media. “Being careful with our statements is more important now than ever,” she said.
The Commission on Elections has issued a show-cause order to Sia, requiring him to explain why he should not face charges for violating fair campaign conduct and anti-discrimination rules under Comelec Resolution No. 1116.