STATEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON WOMEN
On the Disqualification of a Congressional Candidate for Sexist Remarks
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) supports and commends the leadership of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia and the firm action of the COMELEC Second Division for its decisive action in disqualifying Mr. Christian de Guzman Sia as a congressional candidate of the lone district of Pasig City. This disqualification, based on violations of anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines, underscores the importance of upholding gender equality and respectful public discourse during elections.
This decision serves as a critical reminder and guidance for all candidates who willfully violate the provisions of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). We urge all political aspirants to study these laws and other legal provisions that uphold women’s rights and to reach out to the PCW for further guidance.
The COMELEC’s resolution promulgated on May 7, 2025, which found Mr. Sia, liable for violating COMELEC Resolutions 11116 (as amended by Resolution 11127) and Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code, has proven to be a powerful instrument in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women. This landmark ruling sends a clear and unambiguous message: sexist behavior, gender-based discrimination, and the objectification of women have no place in our democratic electoral process.
The disqualification ruling, issued after careful evaluation of Mr. Sia’s public statements directed at solo parents and a female staff member, rightfully recognizes that such remarks are sexually suggestive, objectifying, and degrading. As noted in the COMELEC resolution, these statements inflicted reputational and emotional harm on the women concerned and violated established standards for ethical campaign conduct.
The PCW views this decision as a significant step forward in our country’s ongoing journey toward gender equality and the meaningful participation of women in political spaces. It reinforces the principles enshrined in our laws to protect individuals, particularly women, from discrimination, harassment and violence in all forms.
We call upon all electoral candidates to uphold the highest standards of respect, integrity and inclusivity toward women and other marginalized sectors. Political discourse must elevate public dialogue and policy discussions—not on demeaning individuals based on gender or personal circumstances.
The PCW remains committed to work alongside COMELEC and other institutions to ensure gender-responsive governance and promote empowering spaces for women to participate meaningfully in politics free from harassment, discrimination, and violence