Architect and beauty queen Shamcey Supsup, a candidate for councilor in Pasig City, resigned on Monday, April 7, from the “Kaya This” party headed by mayoral bet Sarah Discaya, following a controversial remark by one of its members about solo parents.
“After careful thought and reflection, I have respectfully decided to resign from KAYA THIS,” she said.
Hoping to be part of something meaningful, Supsup said she joined the team with high hopes, but recent events made it clear that her values as a woman and a mother no longer align with the direction the team is taking.
“When I joined the team, it was with sincere hope that we could work together for meaningful change. But recent events have made it clear that my values, especially those shaped by my experience as a woman, a mother, and a leader, no longer align with the direction the team is taking,” she explained.
Supsup's party-mate, lawyer Christian "Ian" Sia, who is running for congressman, faced backlash over a controversial remark he made during a campaign event, suggesting that solo parents could sleep with him once a year when they’re feeling sad.
The beauty queen said the decision was made out of respect for Miss Universe Philippines and her responsibility to women who look up to her.
“This decision is not made lightly, but with full respect for my fellow aspirants, for the Miss Universe Philippines Organization whose mission I carry, and for the many women and girls who look to me for strength and clarity,” Supsup stated.
‘I choose to stand firmly by the values I’ve upheld throughout my life: dignity, respect, accountability, and women empowerment. At this point, I believe the best way to stay true to these principles is to take a step back, reflect, and listen to allow space for clarity before taking the next steps,” she added.
Despite her decision, Supsup expressed gratitude to Kaya This for the opportunity and wished everyone well.
Sia later apologized and vowed that it would not happen again.
However, on April 4, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a show cause order against Sia, asking him to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against him for the derogatory remarks that he made.