Pasig House bet Ian Sia invokes freedom of speech in show cause response

Lawyer and Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Christian “Ian” Sia

MANILA, Philippines – Pasig City’s House lone district candidate Ian Sia invoked his freedom of speech regarding his remarks on single moms, which received a torrent of condemnation.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia said this was Sia’s response to the show cause order dated April 4.

“While the words may sound brash, my speech, in its entirety, falls within my freedom of speech,” Sia said in his letter dated April 8.

Sia, in a campaign caucus in the city on April 3, jokingly offered sexual favors to single mothers—but only for those still menstruating—once a year.

A second show-cause order was issued by the panel against him on Tuesday, this time over remarks that appear to fat-shame his former assistant, also a woman. Sia has yet to respond to this.

READ: Sorry is not enough, Comelec chief tells Pasig bet

Solo Parents party-list also filed an election offense case against Sia last Friday.

READ: Solo Parents Party-list files election case vs Pasig bet Christian Sia

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered Sia to explain why he should not face disciplinary action over his remarks on single moms.

READ: Women’s group seeks SC sanction vs Pasig bet

The SC’s show cause order stemmed from the complaint filed by Gabriela Women’s Party.