Congressional candidate Ian Sia on Friday pointed fingers at Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and his allies, accusing them of politicizing a controversial remark he made during a campaign rally. Sia claims the mayor’s camp deliberately amplified the issue to deflect attention from what he described as more pressing concerns in the city.
The aspiring lawmaker found himself at the center of a firestorm after a video circulated of him saying he would grant single mothers in Pasig the opportunity to “have sex with him once a year” if he were elected in the 2025 midterm elections. The comment drew swift condemnation from national politicians, civil society groups, and the public.
In a press statement handed to media during a briefing in Pasig, Sia alleged that his political rivals were behind efforts to sensationalize the remark.
“They’re steering the conversation away from the real issues because they can’t respond to the challenges we’ve raised,” the statement read in Filipino.
Sia further claimed that Sotto’s allies quickly jumped on the controversy to discredit him while ignoring controversies within their own ranks.
Among the criticisms Sia has leveled against the incumbent administration are the alleged lack of healthcare infrastructure in Pasig and what he described as Mayor Sotto’s failure to deliver substantial government infrastructure projects during his six-year term. Sia, running under the opposition slate “Kaya This,” also made unverified allegations that some of Sotto’s allies were involved in sex scandals, citing videos supposedly leaked from hacked social media accounts.
Contrasting tone in public apology
The congressional hopeful’s combative stance in the press release starkly contrasted with the more subdued and remorseful tone he took during an earlier press conference, where he issued a public apology.
“I take full responsibility for the inappropriate joke I made during a political gathering,” Sia said. “I went too far. It was a poor attempt at humor and I sincerely apologize.”
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had earlier directed Sia to explain why he should not be disqualified over the lewd remarks, citing violations of election conduct rules.
When asked why his press release struck a defiant tone while his press conference focused on contrition, Sia said the two served different purposes. “The press con was to apologize, while the statement addresses the political context behind the controversy,” he explained.
He also expressed skepticism about the sudden national attention, suggesting it was politically motivated. “Before this, the national media barely paid attention to our campaign. Suddenly, this issue blows up,” Sia said. “I can’t help but think politics is at play, but I chose not to bring that up in my apology to keep the focus clear.”
City officials react
Pasig City Councilor and actress Angelu De Leon, a known ally of Mayor Sotto, publicly criticized Sia in a Facebook post, calling his remarks “offensive and disrespectful.”
De Leon currently chairs the City Council’s Committee on Social Services and Solo Parent Affairs.