Cavite mayoral aspirant Alston Kevin Anarna has issued a public apology following backlash over his controversial remarks directed at solo parents during a campaign event on March 29, 2025.
In a statement released Saturday, Anarna acknowledged his “lapse in judgment” and emphasized that he never intended to “offend or belittle” solo parents.
“Walang anumang salita ang dapat makasakit sa dangal at sakripisyo ng ating mga solo parents. Ako po ay buong kababaang-loob na humihingi ng paumanhin at higit pa roon, nais kong patunayan sa aksyon ang aking suporta sa inyo,” Anarna said.
(No words should ever diminish the dignity and sacrifices of our solo parents. I humbly ask for your forgiveness and, more importantly, I want to show my support through action.)
“Ang pagkakamaling ito ay nagbigay sa akin ng mas malalim na pag-unawa sa inyong mga pinagdaanan at pangangailangan. Ang aking administrasyon sa ating mahal na bayan ng Silang ay kakampi ninyo,” he added.
(This mistake has given me a deeper understanding of your struggles and needs. My administration in our beloved town of Silang will stand with you.)
Anarna personally delivered his apology before a gathering of solo parents at Silang Town Hall, where he also announced the launch of the Solo Parents Assistance and Welfare Program. The initiative aims to provide livelihood support, psychosocial services, and exclusive benefits to solo parents in Silang.
The apology came a day after the Commission on Elections issued a show cause order against Anarna for statements made during the same campaign event.
During the event, Anarna remarked: “Sino dito ang mga solo parents? Bakit parang dumami ang solo parents? Kasi lahat ng solo parents bibigyan natin ng libreng asawa. Ang gagawin natin, lahat ng balong lalake at lahat ng balong babae, ira-raffle na lang natin ‘yan. Ha, pasensiyahan na lang tayo kung kanino kayo mapupunta, kasi pagkabunot ng pangalan ninyo, derecho kasal kay Mayor Kevin.”
(Who are the solo parents here? Why does it seem like there are more of you? We’ll give every solo parent a free spouse. We’ll raffle off the widows and widowers—let’s just see who ends up with whom. Once your name is drawn, you’ll be married off by Mayor Kevin.)
The Comelec stated that the remarks may be considered gender-based harassment under Comelec Resolution 11116, which enforces the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines in relation to Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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