Comelec orders Misamis Oriental gov to explain sexist, racist remarks
Peter Unabia —PHOTO FROM MISAMIS ORIENTAL PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE OFFICIAL PAGE
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) gave Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia three days to explain why a formal petition for disqualification should not be filed against him in connection with remarks he made during separate campaign rallies in various towns of the province.
One, he uttered that the provincial government’s nursing scholarship is only reserved for beautiful women as unattractive ones only worsen a patient’s illness.
READ: Comelec to Misamis Oriental gov: Explain unsavory remarks on Moro, women
Another, he scared voters that if his campaign ticket is defeated on May 12, Maranaos would dominate the province and Cagayan de Oro City, bringing in security instability just like in the Bangsamoro region.
The remarks were widely criticized as sexist and discriminatory and have triggered a backlash from Muslims and women’s rights groups.
The Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force Safe) ordered Unabia to respond in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from the receipt of the notice that was dated April 7, 2025.
Task Force Safe chief Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada warned that “a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification” could be filed against Unabia in response to his comment, which have been widely condemned for perpetuating harmful stereotypes on the people from the Bangsamoro region, and reinforcing gender-based stereotypes against women.
Critics said that Unabia’s anti-Moro comments undermine efforts to foster inclusivity and respect in Mindanao, which has face decades of conflicts and is still healing from its effects.
“These malicious comments are not only hurtful but a regression from the principles of the culture that we are advovating,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., said.
