Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia emphasized that an apology will not be enough to resolve the case involving embattled Pasig City lone district representative aspirant Christian Sia.
Speaking to reporters on Monday at the Palacio del Gobernador, Garcia stressed that Sia must formally respond to the show-cause order issued against him. “It is not included in our guidelines that an apology or ‘I am sorry’ will lessen the weight of their cases,” the Comelec chief stated.
Sia had come under fire for his controversial remarks in which he offered himself to single mothers, particularly those who are “menstruating.” His comments drew public outrage and prompted swift action from election officials and advocacy groups.
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— Ⓡ Ⓞ Ⓝ (@ronron_perea) April 4, 2025
Yung hirap na nga kayo , dagdag ka pa sa problema.
Ewan ko na lang sa Pasig kung iboboto nila si Christian Sia at yung ticket nila 🥵
On Friday, Comelec issued a show-cause order, giving Sia until Monday to explain why he should not be held liable for his statements. Garcia warned that failure to respond would be considered a waiver of his right to be heard.
In a parallel development, the Solo Parents party-list filed an election offense complaint against Sia on the same day. Garcia noted that this case, along with any potential complaints from Comelec’s task force, could be merged for a more comprehensive review.
The controversy surrounding Sia also triggered broader scrutiny of political aspirants’ public statements. On Monday, Comelec issued show-cause orders to two other candidates: Misamis Oriental gubernatorial reelectionist Peter Unabia and Mataas na Kahoy Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, who is running for governor of Batangas.
Unabia must explain the remarks he made against “ugly” nurses and the Moro community, while Ilagan is being asked to clarify his derogatory comments about opponent Vilma Santos-Recto, whom he referred to as “laos” or a has-been, with references to her age.
Garcia underscored the importance of accountability during the election period. “We should be man or woman enough to accept responsibility,” he said.
The Comelec chief reiterated that all candidates, regardless of position or popularity, will be held to the same standards under election laws and ethical guidelines. He warned that discriminatory and offensive language has no place in a campaign that seeks to uphold the dignity of all citizens.