Calling it a step forward in upholding gender equality and electoral integrity, women’s group GABRIELA on Thursday, May 8, welcomed the disqualification of a Pasig City electoral candidate as a significant victory for solo parents and women voters.

In a statement, GABRIELA—the largest alliance of Filipino women in the country—lauded the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Second Division’s decision to disqualify lawyer Christian Sia from his electoral bid.

“We commend the COMELEC for upholding accountability and ruling against candidates who undermine women’s rights,” said GABRIELA Secretary-General Clarice Palce.

Palce noted that Sia had twice been found by the COMELEC to have violated women’s rights—first, through his lewd remarks about solo parents, and second, for body-shaming his staff.

“We hope that this will further encourage the Supreme Court to heed our appeal for sanctions against Sia,” Palce added.

GABRIELA called the COMELEC’s decision “a gain for millions of solo parents and Filipino women whose dignity and struggles have been minimized and disrespected by Sia's repeated violations.”

Alongside other women’s rights advocates, GABRIELA had previously pushed for measures to hold misogynistic candidates accountable for sexist remarks and disrespectful behavior toward women.

“This initial yet significant win is a reminder that women and solo parents have the power to demand justice and make their voices heard—a momentum we must carry through election day and beyond,” Palce said.

With the midterm elections just days away, GABRIELA reaffirmed the importance of holding candidates to the highest standards of integrity and urged the Filipino electorate to demand concrete plans to address the harsh realities faced by millions of impoverished families.

“Konkretong plataporma, hindi kabastusan at kung ano-anong mga gimik!” (Concrete platforms, not rudeness and random gimmicks!), Palce said.

The group urged Filipino women and all voters to remain vigilant—not only against misogynistic candidates, but also against those who undermine the democratic process through electoral fraud and disinformation.

GABRIELA emphasized that Filipino women, alongside the toiling masses, will make their voices heard on election day and beyond, reaffirming their commitment to the ongoing fight for social justice and democratic rights.