By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
PASIG CITY — Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia on Friday (May 9) said that the decision granting the petition for disqualification was issued by the Comelec 2nd Division is not yet final and executory.
In a press conference at Calle Preciosa Restaurant, Atty. Sia said that the case can still be appealed before the Comelec En Banc.
He quoted the ruling of the Comelec 2nd Division which says that he is still a candidate and the votes cast for him will still be counted pending the finality of the decision of the Comelec En Banc.
The first case was dismissed for lack of procedural requirements and the second petition was granted.
The ruling is not yet final and executory. Atty. Sia has a non-extendible period of five days within which to file his motion for reconsideration.
If the Comelec En Banc affirms the 2nd Division ruling, Atty. Sia can still file an appeal before the Supreme Court.
Atty. Sia stressed that the violation of the Safe. Spaces Act is not a ground for disqualification by the Comelec.
However, Atty. Sia noted that there are special penal laws that provide for the disqualification of a candidate.
He cited vote buying, force or violence can be grounds for disqualification.
Atty. Sia said that his campaign remarks form part of his freedom of speech and of expression under the Constitution.
There are no legal backbone to merit the disqualification of Atty. Sia.
Atty. Sia urged the Comelec to see the candidates who are using state resources or government funds to sway votes.
A Comelec Resolution provides that within the 45-day election period, the government is prohibited from releasing public funds.
Medical and burial assistance are the only exempted from the 10-day “total ban” in the distribution of ayuda.
He appealed to the Comelec that if it disqualified a candidate for violation of the Safe Spaces Act, the more it has to disqualify those who violate the Comelec Resolutions on the prohibition and total ban of distribution of ayuda.
Atty. Sia pointed out that the vloggers should not have been prohibited from covering the distribution of scholarship to students at the Tanghalang Pasigueno on May 6, 2025.
He slammed the propaganda being disseminated by his critics that he is already disqualified and therefore he cannot be voted upon.
“Mahirap po kalabanin ang nakaupo. It requires courage, perseverance,” Atty. Sia said.
“Malinaw po ang resolution ng Comelec 2nd Division na kandidato pa po ako. Bibilangin ang aking boto. In the event na ako ay manalo, masususpinde lang po ang aking proclamation,” Atty. Sia said.
As a CPA-lawyer, Atty. Sia surmised that three weeks have been wasted on the issue of sexist remarks rather than focusing on more important matters.
He expounded that the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be used as a reason not to implement construction of infrastructure projects, citing that then Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was able to build three high-rise condominium units during the pandemic.
Likewise, Atty. Sia said that if they will be elected in the May 12 elections, they will build several infrastructure projects such, among others a new P2.7-billion Pasig City Hall, new university, high school and elementary buildings, 3km roads equivalent to PhP8.7 Billion, which is less than PhP900 million from the PhP9.6 billion which is only for the new Pasig City Hall Building of the current city government.
Atty. Sia added that the PhP8.7 Billion is budgetted for 2025-2028 and the infrastructure projects will be completed in three years
He explained that the PhP2.7-billion new Pasig City Hall will cost PHP70,000 per square meter.
Atty. Sia was appointed Assistant Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority before he entered the local politics.
He also cited that the Rosario Sports Complex has not yet been constructed as there are parcels of land in the area which are private or has not yet been expropriated in favor of the city government. ###
