Misamis Oriental gov says remarks on nurses, Moros done ‘in good faith’
Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia. Photo from Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office official page.
MANILA, Philippines — Misamis Oriental gubernatorial re-electionist Peter Unabia has invoked his freedom of speech, emphasizing that his remarks on women and Moro people are “made in good faith.”
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia shared Unabia’s response to the show cause order of the Task Force Safe of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), dated April 10, with the media on Friday.
READ: Comelec to Misamis Oriental gov: Explain unsavory remarks on Moro, women
The Task Force Safe ordered Unabia to explain his pronouncements that the administration’s scholarship program is only for “beautiful” nurses, as unattractive ones, could worsen a patient’s condition; and localities would risk being dominated by Maranaos if his slate and allies did not win the elections.
The anti-discriminatory panel said that the remarks constitute possible violations of the Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-discriminatory and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the 2025 elections, specifically on the election offense of discrimination against women, gender-based harassment, and labeling.
Unabia argued that his remarks “do not amount to an election offense” as defined under Section 3 of the resolution and other provisions of the Omnibus Election Code and other laws.
`In good faith’
“The subjects were made in good faith, with no intent to discriminate, harass, or label any person or group,” his response read.
He added that the “statements fail within the ambit of protected political expression, necessary to ensure transparency and engagement in public discourse.”
READ: Moro leaders want Misamis Oriental governor out of race
Unabia is among the six local candidates that the Task Force Safe issued show cause orders so far over remarks that may have violated the anti-discriminatory resolution.
The resolution, promulgated last February 19, stated that no discrimination shall be acted against cause-oriented groups and organizations, such as people that are part of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community, indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), persons with disability, and women.
The poll body also released its supplemental resolution, declaring all election activities and venues as “safe spaces” and foul language as an election offense.
