EDITORIAL: Disqualify Misogyny

THE call by the Solo Parents Partylist to disqualify lawyer Christian Sia from running for the lone district of Pasig City in the upcoming 2025 elections should not just be heeded—it must serve as a resounding reminder that misogyny and discrimination have no place in Philippine politics.

This is not merely a political skirmish; it is a matter of principle, a test of whether we truly stand for inclusivity and respect in governance.

Sia’s alleged statements against solo parents are not just offensive; they are an affront to a sector of society that has long been fighting for dignity and recognition.

Solo parents, many of whom have been forced by circumstance to carry the burden of raising children alone, deserve support and empowerment—not ridicule and degradation.

The argument that Sia’s words should be excused under the guise of ‘freedom of speech’ is a gross misinterpretation of that right. Free speech does not extend to vilifying the vulnerable, nor does it shield candidates from the consequences of their rhetoric.

If a person seeking public office harbors views that demean solo parents—a sector protected under the Solo Parents Welfare Act—how can they be expected to legislate with fairness and compassion?

Leadership demands more than just competence; it requires character. It requires a moral compass that ensures governance is not wielded as a tool for exclusion or prejudice.

Public officials are expected to be paragons of integrity, and by his own words, Sia has demonstrated that he falls short of this fundamental standard.

Moreover, women were created by God with a purpose. Their role in society, in families, and in nation-building is irreplaceable. This divine design shows that even God is pleased with the presence of a woman in man’s life. Any statement or behavior that disrespects or belittles women stands in direct opposition to this truth.

The Comelec must act decisively. Allowing a candidate with misogynistic and discriminatory views to remain in the race would be tantamount to condoning the very biases we are trying to dismantle.

The disqualification of Sia is not just about accountability—it is about upholding the values that define our democracy. Anything less would be an endorsement of bigotry.

The people of Pasig deserve a leader who respects all constituents, one who stands for equality, dignity, and justice. If Christian Sia cannot meet these basic moral and ethical expectations, then he has no place in public service. The Comelec must stand firm against hate and discrimination, and it must do so now.