Philippine Politician Faces Backlash For Sexist ‘Joke’ About Sleeping With Single Mothers

A congressional candidate running for a seat in Pasig City, Philippines, is facing criticism for his misogynistic comments at a campaign rally in which he offered to "sleep with" lonely, fertile single mothers.

"Any lonely, single mother who is still having her period... let me be clear, she should still be having her period, I will sleep with her for one night,” he said at a rally," the South China Morning Post quoted Christian Sia's statement.

Sia has received two show-cause warnings from the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) in response to a series of alleged sexist remarks made during recent campaign events.

The first notice was issued after a video surfaced showing Sia offering to "sleep with" lonely, fertile single mothers.

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After the congressional candidate allegedly made offensive remarks against his assistant's weight and physical appearence during a speech on April 3, the Comelec issued another notice asking him to explain the comments.

What Comelec Chair Said?

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia stated that even if the assistant has not lodged a formal complaint, Comelec's Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) may take action, Independent reported.

On Friday, Sia issued an apology, saying his fans should be upset with the individual who posted the video because they failed to include the scene in which the audience reportedly laughed at his comment.

Women’s rights group Gabriela expressed outrage over his comments, calling them an “attack against the dignity of every woman” and an example of “misogyny and sexism,” the Independent reported. They further called on the Philippines' Supreme Court to disbar Sia, arguing that his behaviour undermined the struggle of single mothers and reflected a broader disrespect for women.

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