Sia: Disqualification not final

Pasig congressional aspirant Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia on Friday clarified that the disqualification ruling from the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) Second Division is not yet final or executory.

In a press conference, Sia said the case can still be appealed before the Comelec en banc.

Quoting the Second Division’s ruling, Sia emphasized that he remains a candidate and that votes cast for him will still be counted while the case is pending final resolution by the Comelec en banc.

“The first petition was dismissed due to procedural lapses, and the second was granted. I have five non-extendible days to file my motion for reconsideration,” he explained.

If the Comelec en banc upholds the Second Division’s ruling, Sia noted he can still appeal to the Supreme Court.

He stressed that a violation of the Safe Spaces Act is not a valid ground for disqualification under Comelec’s rules. “There are special penal laws that can disqualify a candidate, such as vote buying or the use of force and violence,” Sia said.

He defended his campaign remarks as part of his constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression.

Sia also called on Comelec to focus on candidates who use government funds to influence voters. “Within the 45-day election period, the government is prohibited from releasing public funds, except for medical and burial assistance, which are exempt from the 10-day total ban on aid distribution,” he said.

He argued that if a candidate can be disqualified over the Safe Spaces Act, then those who violate Comelec’s aid distribution rules should be disqualified as well.

Sia criticized the barring of vloggers from covering a scholarship distribution event at Tanghalang Pasigueño on 6 May.

He slammed the propaganda claiming he is already disqualified and can no longer be voted for. “It’s tough going up against an incumbent. It takes courage and perseverance,” Sia said.

He lamented that three weeks were wasted debating his alleged sexist remarks, diverting attention from bigger issues. Sia criticized Mayor Vico Sotto’s administration for having no major infrastructure accomplishments over six years. “The pandemic can’t be used as an excuse. For example, then-Manila Mayor Isko Moreno built three high-rise condos during the pandemic,” Sia pointed out.