Manila: The Commission on Elections' (Comelec) Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) has taken decisive action by filing a motu proprio petition for the disqualification of Pasig City congressional candidate Christian Sia. The petition, submitted on Wednesday, targets Sia for violating Comelec Resolution 11116, which outlines the Anti-Discriminatory and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for this year's midterm elections. The violation stems from Sia's lewd remarks about single mothers during an April 3 campaign event.

According to Philippines News Agency, task force head Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada emphasized that Sia's comments, where he expressed readiness to sleep with single mothers who are still menstruating and lonely once a year if elected, were in direct violation of the campaign guidelines. Despite being ordered to explain his remarks, Sia defended his comments by invoking his freedom of speech.

Lozada further stated that the task force is not only seeking Sia's disqualification but also the suspension of his proclamation should the petition remain unresolved by the election's conclusion and Sia wins. This move aims to ensure that the election process remains fair and free from discriminatory practices.

In addition to Christian Sia, show cause orders have been issued to other candidates, including Peter Unaba, running for reelection as Misamis Oriental governor; Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan; Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, who is contesting the provincial governor position; Silang, Cavite mayoral candidate Alston Kevin Anarna; Virgilo Bote, gubernatorial candidate in Nueva Ecija; and Pasay City mayoral candidate Editha Manguera. Lozada noted that while no further petitions have been filed yet, the task force is still evaluating responses from these candidates and may consider additional actions based on their answers.