MANILA, Philippines – Catholic and Muslim organizations in the Philippines have strongly criticized the sexist and racist jokes made by candidates during the May 12 elections. In response, the country’s election commission has warned that those violating anti-discrimination rules could face legal action.
One of the most widely condemned incidents involves Christian Sia, a congressional candidate from Pasig City in Metro Manila. During a campaign speech, Sia offered to have sex “once a year” with single mothers who are still menstruating, a statement that quickly went viral on social media.
“So here’s my offer for the solo parents of Pasig: Once a year, the solo parents who are still menstruating and are feeling sad, once a year, they can have sex with me,” Sia said, sparking outrage.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked Sia to explain his remarks, as they may constitute an election offense, punishable by one to six years in prison. In response, Sia invoked freedom of speech, insisting that his comments were not meant to discriminate, demean, or harass female solo parents. He also argued that issues of discrimination were outside the jurisdiction of the Comelec.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the largest Catholic election watchdog in the Philippines, called Sia’s comments a “wake-up call” for voters. PPCRV spokesperson Anna Singson expressed personal offense, saying, “There is nothing ridiculous about what was said about women. This is a call to everybody: When you make decisions, think deeply and be critical based on your values.”
Singson also challenged candidates to demonstrate strong leadership qualities. “If right now, you cannot put your best foot forward, how will you be if you win as legislators?” she asked.
She further emphasized that candidates should embody qualities such as servant leadership and a love of God. “Are you running to serve the Philippines, or do you have another plan or purpose?” Singson added.
Meanwhile, in the southern region of the Philippines, another politician faced backlash for sexist and racist comments made at campaign rallies. Governor Peter Unabia of Misamis Oriental sparked controversy by saying that nursing scholarships in the province were “only for women,” particularly “beautiful women.” He further stated that “ugly women” could not be nurses, claiming that any man’s illness would worsen if treated by an unattractive nurse.
Unabia also warned voters against electing candidates with Muslim ties, alleging that they had a history of inciting violence. Following the backlash, Unabia apologized for his statements about Muslims.
The Siraj-Muslim Religious Organization of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan, a Jesuit university, condemned Unabia’s comments, noting that they unfairly linked Muslims to terrorism. “Let us be clear: Muslims are not terrorists. Islam, like all major religions, advocates peace, compassion, and respect for all of humanity,” the group said in a statement. They urged public figures to be mindful of their words and the consequences they carry.
The University of the Philippines Muslim Students’ Association (UP MSA) also denounced Unabia’s remarks, calling for an end to the normalization of Islamophobia in political discourse.
Sexist and racist jokes have been a recurring issue in Philippine elections, especially after the 2016 victory of populist leader Rodrigo Duterte. Prior to the election, Duterte made headlines with a controversial joke about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary in 1989. The joke, in which he claimed to be angry about the rape but also suggested that the mayor should have been the first to violate her, was widely condemned by the Catholic Church and other groups. Despite this, Duterte won the election, receiving 16 million votes in a country with a large Catholic majority.
In 2022, Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, was elected vice president, alongside Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who won the presidency. Despite criticism from Catholic clergymen over alleged corruption and immorality, the Duterte-Marcos tandem triumphed.
Analysts suggest that Duterte’s style of using controversial and offensive jokes continues to resonate with many Filipino voters, despite efforts by the Catholic Church to address issues of discrimination.
