Pasig: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has mandated Christian Sia, a congressional candidate from Pasig, to respond within five days to a petition challenging his eligibility for the upcoming May 12 elections. This action follows controversial comments he made regarding single mothers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sia has been instructed via a two-page summons to submit his response, which can be done either personally or through email. The summons explicitly states that failing to provide a verified Answer cum Memorandum within the specified timeframe will prevent him from presenting any contrary evidence.

Additionally, the Comelec division has prohibited certain pleadings such as motions to dismiss, replies, and rejoinders. However, it allows for the grounds of a motion to dismiss to be used as affirmative defenses. The Second Division clarified that the case would be considered ready for resolution once Sia submits his answer or when the five-day period lapses, whichever occurs first.

The disqualification case arose from a controversial statement made by Sia during an April 3 campaign event, where he joked about his willingness to engage with single mothers who are still menstruating if elected. This remark led the Comelec's Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) to file a motu proprio disqualification petition against him last week.

In a separate but related incident, Task Force SAFE issued a show-cause order to Cabiao, Nueva Ecija mayor Ramil Rivera due to an offensive comment he allegedly made against a rival during a campaign rally. Rivera, who is contesting for the vice mayor position in Cabiao, reportedly referred to his opponents as "supot" (uncircumcised) during a speech.

The task force cited that Rivera's comment might violate Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which encompasses the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines. As per the Comelec's directive to Rivera, he is required to provide a written explanation within three days, without the possibility of an extension, to avoid facing a complaint for an election offense or a disqualification petition.