MANILA, April 5 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) called on candidates to stick to finding ways to better serve the marginalized sector, including solo parents, instead of making a joke out of them.

At a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that public servants have a responsibility to set a respectful tone, especially when addressing marginalized groups, such as solo parents.

"This isn't about who can deliver the best punchline. It's about who can deliver the best solutions," Gatchalian said in Filipino.

He was reacting to the viral video of Pasig City congressional bet Christian Sia making a lewd joke about single mothers during a campaign sortie weeks ahead of Elect...