Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up and Pasig City 1st District councilor candidate Shamcey Supsup-Lee has formally withdrawn her candidacy under the opposition slate ‘Team Kaya This’ following a controversial remark made by congressional bet Atty. Ian Sia, which drew backlash for being disrespectful to single mothers.
In a statement posted on her social media account shortly after midnight on April 8, Supsup-Lee cited misalignment in values as the primary reason for her resignation.
“After careful thought and reflection, I have respectfully decided to resign from KAYA THIS,” she wrote. “When I joined the team, it was with sincere hope that we could work together for meaningful change. But recent events have made it clear that my values, especially those shaped by my experience as a woman, a mother, and a leader, no longer align with the direction the team is taking.”
Though she did not mention Sia by name in her resignation, Supsup-Lee had previously expressed disapproval of her running mate’s joke—made during a campaign event—that single mothers might “sleep with him.” The remark sparked outrage among women’s groups and netizens, prompting Supsup-Lee to issue a statement disavowing the comment and confirming that she personally confronted Sia about it.
“As a woman and a mother, I do not tolerate statements—whether made in jest or in earnest—that diminish or disrespect women,” she said earlier on April 5, although that post has since been taken down.
Sia was briefly suspended from attending campaign events but remained part of the slate. Mayoral bet Sarah Discaya, head of Team Kaya This, stood by Sia and publicly accepted his apology.
In contrast, Supsup-Lee chose to walk away from the alliance entirely, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to women empowerment, respect, and dignity.
“This decision is not made lightly, but with full respect for my fellow aspirants, for the Miss Universe Philippines Organization whose mission I carry, and for the many women and girls who look to me for strength and clarity,” she said.
“I choose to stand firmly by the values I’ve upheld throughout my life: dignity, respect, accountability, and women empowerment.”
The resignation has since gone viral, sparking mixed reactions from the public. While many praised her for taking a stand, others criticized her for joining the slate in the first place, questioning whether her values had ever aligned with Team Kaya This and accusing her of only reacting after receiving backlash.
Supsup-Lee’s post has garnered over 2,000 reactions, hundreds of shares, and a range of comments both supporting and questioning her move.
One netizen wrote, “Best decision, Queen! You’re back on track.” Another commented, “You had more chances without them, IMO.”
Meanwhile, ‘Team Kaya This remains’ the primary opposition to incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto’s Giting ng Pasig slate in the upcoming May 2025 elections.
As of now, Shamcey has yet to announce if she will continue her councilor bid as an independent. LionhearTV remains open to publishing any response from Sarah Discaya or Ian Sia regarding Supsup-Lee’s resignation.
