The Commission on Elections has directed actress and vlogger Mocha Uson, a candidate for councilor in Manila’s 3rd District, to reconsider her use of the “Cookie ni Mocha” campaign jingle. In a public letter dated April 8, the poll body advised Uson to use straightforward language in promoting her advocacies rather than relying on slogans with double meanings. The Comelec cited concerns that the jingle—which features the lyric “Cookie ni Mocha, ang sarap-sarap”—carries sexual overtones, noting that puns and double entendres, while acceptable as literary devices, should not stray into obscenity or distract from substantive political discourse.
The poll body stressed that the inclusion of sexually suggestive elements in campaign materials risks shifting voters’ attention from serious discussions on policy and governance. Responding to the letter, Uson confirmed that her campaign team has halted the use of the controversial materials. She added that they are currently reviewing all campaign content to ensure it meets the standards of decency and appropriateness expected in public electoral engagement.
Meanwhile, Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia has defended his own remarks made during campaign events by invoking freedom of speech. Sia, who previously faced a show cause order over his lewd joke concerning single mothers, stated that his comments were delivered in a conversational tone and were not intended to demean or discriminate. He questioned the applicability of the anti-discrimination guidelines, arguing that his statements were protected by his right to free expression.
Both cases underscore the ongoing scrutiny by Comelec over the content of campaign materials, as the poll body seeks to maintain a respectful and focused political discourse during the election period.