'WAG PO KAYO MAGALIT SAKIN, MAGALIT PO KAYO SA GUMAWA NG VIDEO'
Pasig City congressional candidate Atty. Ian Sia issued an apology on Friday, April 4, after a video of him making a sexually charged joke about solo mothers went viral, sparking backlash from netizens and various groups.
"Minsan sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa – Nay, malinaw, nireregla pa – at nalulungkot, minsan sa isang taon, puwedeng sumiping ho sa akin," Sia said in the viral video.
According to Sia, the clip failed to show the audience's positive reaction, which he claims was the true purpose of his "joke."
"Wag po kayo magalit sakin, magalit po kayo sa gumawa ng video... Ang nakita lang sa video yung sinabi, pero yung reaksyon ng tao, hindi nakita na tumawa, yun lang ang purpose ng joke," Sia said, addressing critics.
Sia explained that his intention was not to offend, but rather to "shock" the audience in order to gain their attention, particularly when discussing his platforms.
"Pag nagsasalita ako, tipikal mahaba na [dahil] nakapagsalita na lahat [sa slate] so yung mga tao naiinip, na ayaw na makinig, so ginugulat ko lang ng joke so yung atensyon napupukaw," he said.
Despite his defense, Sia issued an apology to those who were offended by his words.
"Ngunit ako ay nakasakit sa aking sinabi, humihingi po ako ng taos-pusong dispensa," he said.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it would not let the incident pass without further action, urging candidates to elevate the level of campaigning and to refrain from using humor that could be deemed disrespectful.