The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Task Force SAFE has filed a petition to disqualify lawyer Christian “Ian” Sia, a candidate for Pasig’s lone congressional seat, over alleged violations of anti-discrimination rules.
Task Force SAFE, which stands for Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections, filed the motu proprio disqualification case — its first under the new guidelines — citing Sia’s alleged inappropriate remarks made during campaign events.
Comelec official Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada confirmed the move, stating that the task force acted after reviewing Sia’s responses to two show-cause orders (SCOs). The petition not only seeks to bar him from running but also asks to halt his proclamation if he wins, pending resolution.
The controversy stems from Sia’s comments at a campaign rally, where he allegedly joked about single mothers being welcome to sleep with him once a year. He faces a second complaint over alleged misogynistic remarks toward a female staff member.
While Sia has apologized, he defended his comments as protected speech and denied they were discriminatory.
Comelec cited violations of Resolutions 11116 and 11127 — which promote fair campaigning and designate campaign spaces (online and offline) as safe from hate speech and discrimination — and Section 261 (e) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco noted that if disqualified and without a Supreme Court restraining order, Sia’s votes would be considered stray.
Comelec Chair George Garcia said more cases could be filed soon, as the task force continues monitoring potential violations by other candidates.
The case will now be raffled to a Comelec division, where Sia will be summoned to respond officially before a final ruling is made.