A CONGRESSIONAL candidate in Pasig City, who went viral for a sexually charged joke about single mothers, is currently in hot water after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a show cause order against him.
In a three-page order, the Comelec-Task Force Safe asked Christian Sia to explain his actions and why he should not face disqualification as well as an election offense case.
"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," said Task Force Safe head Director Sonia Wee-Lozada.
"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," she added.
The order stemmed from the viral video of Sia, wherein he was seen and heard giving a public statement saying single mothers can have sex with him once a year when they feel lonely as long as they are still menstruating.
On Friday, Sia defended his actions, saying it was merely a joke that drew laughter from the audience attending what appeared to be a campaign rally.
The Comelec said such actions by Sia is a possible violation of their "Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines."
It noted how Sia may have committed acts of discrimination against women and gender-based harassment.
"In our view, the foregoing constitutes a possible violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11116," said Wee-Lozada.
The acts of discrimination against women and gender-based harassment make one liable for an election offense. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)
