Manila, April 22 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has given Pasig congressonal candidate Christian Sia five days to answer a petition seeking his disqualification in the May 12 elections over his remarks about single mothers.

In a two-page summons, the division said Sia could file his response "personally or via e-mail."

"Failure to file a verified Answer cum Memorandum within the reglementary period shall bar the Respondent from submitting controverting evidence," the Comelec division said.

"A motion to dismiss, reply, rejoinder, and similar pleadings are prohibited. Nonetheless, the grounds for a motion to dismiss may be used as affirmative defenses," it added.

The Second Division said the case will be deemed...