Women group seeks Supreme Court sanctions on Pasig lawyer-candidate over 'misogynistic' remarks

Metro Manila, Philippines - Women's group Gabriela asked the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, April 7 to penalize Pasig congressional bet and lawyer Christian "Ian" Sia for his "misogynistic" remark.

In a political rally, Sia joked that solo mothers can sleep with him if they feel lonely. He had apologized for his remarks, but blamed the uploader of the video who recorded his speech.

Gabriela submitted a letter addressed to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, noting Sia’s failure to obey the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers.

"We find Atty. Sia’s action is appalling and reprehensible. It reeks of misogyny and sexism. It is an attack against the dignity of every woman and a clear disrespect for the pain and struggle every woman solo parent endure day to day," the letter read.

“With Atty. Sia, there will be no safe space for women – whether in or outside the courtroom,” it added.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia was also in hot water after he said only beautiful nursing students should receive scholarships, claiming “ugly” nurses would worsen the illness of patients.

“May pattern ng kabastusan at misogyny ang mga trapo sa bansa. Mula sa Luzon hanggang Mindanao, patuloy ang pang-aalipusta sa dignidad ng kababaihan," Gabriela secretary-general Clarice Palce said.

[There is a pattern of harassment and misogyny from traditional politicians in the country. From Luzon to Mindanao, the insult on women’s dignities goes on.]

NewsWatch Plus asked the Supreme Court for a comment.

House probe

Meanwhile, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera is seeking a congressional probe following the remarks.

She filed House Resolution 2260 calling for an investigation on the implementation of the Safe Spaces Act.

The lawmaker said there is an urgent need to assess whether concerned agencies have “clear protocols and adequate authority to investigate, respond to, and penalize such violations when committed by public officials and political candidates.”

“The widespread circulation and normalization of these remarks, especially during the election period, call into question the effectiveness of the law’s enforcement mechanisms,” Herrera’s resolution stated.

The Commission on Elections has issued a show-cause order to Sia and Unabia.