Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list has claimed victory following the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) decision to disqualify Pasig City congressional candidate, lawyer Christian “Ian” Sia over his viral lewd joke about single mothers.
Specifically, BH Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera described the decision of the Comelec Second Division as a “clear victory for respect, decency and the dignity of women".
Herrera said in a statement Thursday, May 8 that the ruling sends a strong message that those seeking public office must be held to higher standards, especially when it comes to how they treat vulnerable and marginalized groups such as solo parents.
“This is not just about one candidate. This is about the kind of leadership our country deserves. Public service must be rooted in respect—for women, for solo parents, and for all who have long been unfairly judged or objectified,” said the congresswoman, a reelectionist.
BH Party-list, through Herrera, has pushed for the long-delayed implementation of Republic Act (RA) No.11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act. Despite being signed into law two years ago, the measure remained largely unimplemented until BH took decisive action to ensure its rollout for the benefit of solo parents nationwide.
“No candidate who makes a mockery of solo parents should ever be allowed to speak for them in Congress. We thank the Comelec for recognizing that misogynistic behavior has no place in our democratic institutions,” Herrera said.
The Comelec Second Division cited Sia’s “jokes” offering himself to menstruating single moms and his disparaging comments about a former assistant’s weight as grounds for disqualification, ruling that such behavior was “manifestly repugnant to public morals".
Sia's antics were especially infuriating for Herrera, who refers to herself as “Solon ng Soloista” and champions the rights and welfare of solo parents.
“Let this be a turning point. Let us elect leaders who uplift, not degrade; who protect, not prey; and who embody the values we want our children to inherit,” she said.
She also urged voters to remain vigilant against candidates who resort to abusive language or conduct, reminding the public that decency and empathy are essential in public service.
“The halls of Congress are no place for misogyny. We must continue building a government that treats every Filipino with dignity and respect, especially those who carry the heaviest burdens alone,” Herrera stressed.