Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a dramatic turn just weeks into the campaign season, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has taken a firm stand against discriminatory rhetoric, issuing Show Cause Orders to three local candidates who allegedly crossed the line of decency and legality during recent public appearances. Their remarks—deemed sexist, ageist, and blatantly discriminatory—are now under official scrutiny, potentially marking a pivotal moment in the fight for respectful and inclusive political discourse in the Philippines.
Atty. Ian Sia’s “Solo Parent” Statement: Misogyny Masquerading as Humor?
Pasig City congressional aspirant Atty. Ian Sia finds himself at the center of controversy after making a highly inappropriate and suggestive remark during a campaign rally on April 3. Addressing solo parents, he said:
"Ito ang ambag ko sa mga solo parent ng Pasig. Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa. Nay, malinaw nireregla pa at nalulungkot. Minsan sa isang taon, pwedeng sumiping ho sa akin."
COMELEC flagged the statement for potential gender-based harassment and discrimination, noting that it could constitute a violation of Section 3 of Resolution No. 11116, which prohibits any form of vilification or harassment based on gender during the election period.
This disturbing attempt at a joke—couched in crass sexual innuendo—reflects a toxic machismo that continues to fester in the political arena. Women’s rights groups were quick to condemn the remark, calling it a stark example of the kind of misogyny that should have been buried with past administrations but continues to echo in the platforms of those seeking power today.
Gov. Peter Unabia’s Beauty Standard for Nurses: Harmful Stereotyping
In Misamis Oriental, incumbent governor and gubernatorial candidate Peter Unabia made headlines for comments that not only marginalized men but also reduced female nurses to their physical appearance. He was quoted as saying:
"Kining nursing, para ra ni sa mga babaye, dili pwede ang lalaki. And, kato pa gyud mga babaye nga gwapa. Dili man pwede ang maot, kay kung luya na ang mga lalaki, atubangon sa pangit nga nurse, naunsa naman, mosamot atong sakit ana."
The remark is a troubling reflection of a mindset that sexualizes professions traditionally dominated by women, while simultaneously demeaning men and reinforcing outdated gender roles. COMELEC identified the statement as potentially discriminatory and damaging to both the image and dignity of healthcare professionals.
Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan’s Swipe at Vilma Santos: Ageism and Misogyny Rolled Into One
Meanwhile, in Batangas, Mataasnakahoy Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, now a gubernatorial hopeful, stirred backlash for disparaging remarks against rival and veteran actress-politician Vilma Santos. Speaking on March 29, Ilagan said:
"Kung ang aking kalaban ay si Kathryn Bernardo pero ang aking kalaban ay isang Vilma Santos lang na laos na... marami naman sa mga fans niya ang namamhinga na rin... At saka lagi ang sasabihin ko sa inyo ay iba ang governor na nahihipo."
Aside from being disrespectful, Ilagan’s words appeared to target not just Santos’ age, but also the loyalty and age of her supporters—insulting both elderly voters and women in leadership. COMELEC stated that the remarks may constitute a breach of campaign ethics and promote age and gender discrimination, both of which are explicitly prohibited under the resolution.
COMELEC’s Resolution 11116: A Milestone Law Under Fire
All three candidates now face scrutiny under COMELEC Resolution No. 11116, also known as the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, which was put in place to curb precisely this kind of toxic campaign behavior. The resolution states that bullying, discrimination, gender-based harassment, and vilification during the campaign period are punishable offenses under Section 13 of the Fair Election Act (RA 9006) and other related laws.
The three have been given a limited period to respond and justify why they should not be held liable.
Cultural Echoes of a Sexist Past
The remarks made by these candidates bring to mind the problematic humor of old TV shows like Palibhasa Lalake and certain noontime programs that thrived on misogynistic punchlines and objectification of women. While such content may have once been normalized in mainstream entertainment, the Filipino electorate is evolving—and so should its leaders.
The comments also draw disturbing parallels to the legacy of a former president whose administration was marked by numerous sexist quips and controversies. It’s no surprise then, that some of today’s politicians seem emboldened to follow in those footsteps—replacing substance with swagger and policy with punchlines.
A Wake-Up Call for Voters and Candidates Alike
As election day approaches, the spotlight now shines not just on campaign promises but also on the character of those who make them. In a political climate hungry for accountability and integrity, COMELEC’s action may be the first step toward sanitizing our election culture from the casual bigotry, sexism, and machismo that have long plagued it.
It’s time voters demand more than charisma and controversy. Respect, decency, and equality must be non-negotiable on every campaign stage. For a country striving for true progress, the era of the “palabiro pero bastos” politician must end.
Because public office is no place for punchlines at the expense of human dignity.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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