Manila: A women's rights group on Monday sought administrative sanctions from the Supreme Court (SC) against a lawyer running for a congressional post due to remarks he made about single mothers during a campaign event.

According to Philippines News Agency, women's group Gabriela submitted a three-page letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and the Justices of the high court. The letter highlighted that Atty. Christian Sia's conduct, specifically his jokes made on stage at a rally, violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA). These violations include prohibitions against gender-based harassment and the requirement for lawyers to maintain dignified conduct.

The controversy arose from a widely viewed online video in which Sia made sexually charged comments, suggesting that single mothers who are lonely could sleep with him. Sia later issued an apology, stating that he often uses jokes to capture the audience's attention while discussing his platforms.

In response to the incident, Gabriela's secretary general, Clarice Palce, emphasized the group's stance against misogyny. She reminded Sia and other candidates that such behavior would not be tolerated. Palce stated, "Gabriela will not let any abusive language against women, especially by those in power and with influence in society like lawyer and candidate Ian Sia, go unchallenged. His remarks and subsequent non-apology reflect deep-seated misogyny and serious violations of the legal profession's ethical standards."