Sexist humor has no place in public discourse – PCW

MANILA, Philippines – Sexist humor has no place in public discourse, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said in a statement on Saturday, April 5.

The PCW’s statement comes a day after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered Pasig congressional candidate Ian Sia to explain why an election offense or disqualification case should not be filed against him for his lewd remark on single mothers during a campaign activity.

The commission, which is under the Office of the President, commended the Comelec for its swift response, while not naming Sia in its statement.

“These remarks not only undermine women’s dignity and rights but also contradict the core values of fairness and equality that should guide our electoral process. PCW firmly asserts that such discriminatory rhetoric has no place in public discourse, particularly during election periods,” the PCW said.

Sia became infamous overnight after a video of him suggesting that single mothers who were still menstruating could sleep with him once a year was reported by the media and circulated on social media. Sia made the “joke” during a political caucus in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig, on April 2.

The PCW noted the public’s “active engagement” in calling out the harmful remarks. “This collective vigilance signals a significant shift toward fostering a culture of respect and equality, where harmful gender stereotypes and discrimination are actively challenged.”

The Philippines has several laws safeguarding the rights of women, such as the Magna Carta for Women. The PCW said that remarks that belittle or objectify women not only violate these legal protections, but perpetuate harmful stereotypes and gender-based violence.

‘Deeper issue’

Sia apologized over the remark, but still blamed people who posted the videos on social media. He also tried to justify it by insisting that it was only a joke.

The PCW said that the candidate’s refusal to fully take responsibility by blaming the uploader of the video and claiming that the joke was an effort to entertain the crowd “exposes a deeper issue in political discourse.”

“Public platforms must not be used to normalize sexist humor or reinforce harmful stereotypes under the guise of entertainment. Campaigns should serve as a venue for meaningful discussions on policies and issues that directly impact the lives of Filipinos, not as a stage for inappropriate jokes at the expense of marginalized groups,” said the PCW.

As the 2025 elections draw closer, the PCW said that it was imperative that Filipinos demand more from those seeking public office.

The commission urged all candidates to engage in responsible and respectful campaigning, prioritizing substantive discussions over rhetoric that demeans or discriminates. Candidates who are not familiar with gender-sensitive communication and women’s rights should seek guidance from gender focal points, or even directly from the PCW.

The PCW also encouraged citizens to report similar incidents to the Comelec. The Comelec’s Resolution No. 11116, which is the basis for Sia’s show cause order, details discrimination and gender-based harassment as an election offense. – Rappler.com