Lawyer Christian “Ian” Sia, who is running for representative of Pasig City’s lone congressional district, has addressed the first show cause order issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on 4 April, regarding his controversial joke about single parents.

In a letter dated 7 April 2025, directed to Comelec Task Force Safe head Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, Sia defended his statements, arguing that they do not violate Section 3 of the Commission’s Resolution 1116, nor the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines.

Sia pointed out that Resolution 1116 is constitutionally flawed.

“Resolution 1116 was promulgated under Section 13 of Republic Act 9006, which mandates that rules and regulations issued must implement the law concerning equal time and opportunity in relation to election propaganda. However, Resolution 1116 seeks to enforce provisions from the Magna Carta for Women and the Safe Spaces Act, which fall outside the jurisdiction of the Comelec, whose powers are limited to the enforcement of election-related laws,” his letter stated.

Even if the resolution were valid, Sia asserted that his comments on or around 3 April, did not violate its provisions.

“While the language used was conversational and typical of casual exchanges, my statements were not intended to discriminate, exclude, or demean single parents. I never intended to restrict or deprive female solo parents of their fundamental rights,” Sia explained.

Sia further emphasized that his campaign speeches are meant to engage with his constituents, stating, “While the words may sound brash, my speech falls within my freedom of expression.”