Ian Sia, a congressional aspirant in Pasig City in the Philippines, is facing massive public backlash after a controversial joke he made about single mothers went viral online, prompting calls for accountability, formal sanctions, and even disqualification from the 2025 elections.
The former city councilor, now running under Team Kaya This, made the inappropriate remark during a political gathering in Barangay Pinagbuhatan on April 2. In a video that quickly circulated across social media platforms, Sia was heard making a crude joke that sexualized single mothers, referencing their menstruation cycle in a deeply disrespectful manner. The video sparked outrage from women’s groups, government officials, and the public, who denounced it as sexist and demeaning.
By April 4, the pressure had mounted so intensely that Sia was forced to hold a press conference to publicly apologize.
Seated alone in a modest Kapasigan restaurant, wearing a plain white shirt, Sia addressed the media.
“I take responsibility for the words I said. I’m sorry that I went too far in my speech and chose the wrong joke to entertain people at a political caucus.”
He continued,
“It’s not enough that we have good intentions. The impact of our words — especially our actions — is also important.”
“I’m really sorry to everyone who was hurt. And I promise that it won’t happen again.”
Sia’s apology came after days of heavy criticism. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through Secretary Rex Gatchalian, condemned the statement. Gabriela Women’s Party also called for his disbarment and for stronger actions to ensure such behavior is not tolerated in public office.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), acting on its own initiative, gave Sia three days to respond and explain why he should not be disqualified from running for office. This rare move was taken due to the widespread coverage of the incident and the severity of public reaction.
Despite offering a seemingly sincere apology during the press conference, Sia’s earlier response on Facebook told a different story. In a now-deleted video, he expressed defiance, claimed that his remarks were taken out of context, and suggested the situation was being blown out of proportion for political reasons.
His camp initially distributed a press release before the press conference, alleging that political opponents were capitalizing on the controversy to deflect from more important campaign issues. However, when asked during the press conference about the difference in tone, Sia said he wanted to focus on expressing remorse face-to-face.
While Sia insisted he’s not pointing fingers, he admitted,
“Given the attention this issue received nationwide, I can’t help but think politics may be behind this.”
Sia is running against incumbent Congressman Roman Romulo, a popular figure aligned with re-electionist Mayor Vico Sotto’s Giting ng Pasig slate. Sia, on the other hand, is part of the opposing camp headed by businesswoman Sarah Discaya. He also acts as Discaya’s spokesperson.
He revealed that Discaya herself reprimanded him after the controversy, reminding him that while campaign events often get heated, a lawyer — especially one seeking public office — should always speak with care and professionalism.
“Ate Sarah gave me a kind of warning,” he said. “She told me that in the heat of the moment, I must remember that I’m not an activist, but a lawyer — someone whose words are expected to be measured.”
Sia also said that Team Kaya This expressed concern for his well-being, especially as the online backlash has taken a toll on his mental health.
He said he would comply with whatever decision Comelec and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines arrive at, affirming his respect for due process.
“That’s the right thing to do. Our people expect swift action, no matter who is involved in an investigation,” he said.
“No hard feelings. That’s your job,” he added. “You have my respect.”
Whether his apology is enough to salvage his candidacy remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: voters are now paying very close attention — not just to his words, but to the values behind them.