Comelec orders Pasig bet: Answer disqualification case

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia has been summoned by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to answer the disqualification complaint filed against him over his lewd remarks on single mothers.

The Comelec Second Division gave Sia five non-extendible days to respond to the disqualification case and motion for suspension of proclamation lodged against him.

Sia’s answer should be submitted to the poll body personally or through email, the Comelec said.

Failure to file an answer within the reglementary period, the Comelec said, would prevent the respondent from submitting controverting evidence.

Sia’s disqualification case will be submitted for resolution upon receipt of his answer or after the five days have lapsed.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia vowed to resolve Sia’s case and all disqualification complaints pending before the poll body before the May 12 midterm elections.

Sia, who is a lawyer, is also facing a disbarment complaint, for saying that single mothers, especially those who are still menstruating could sleep with him once a year if he wins as congressman.

He is also accused of body shaming his female assistant during a campaign sortie. 

The Comelec Task Force Safe also summoned Mayor Ramil Rivera of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija for uttering discriminatory remarks during campaign events.

Rivera was given three days to submit an explanation on why he should not be disqualified and charged with an election offense for violating the anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.