Gabriela welcomes DQ case vs Misamis Oriental guv for misogyny

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Gabriela, the largest gender rights alliance in the country, welcomed the recent filing of a disqualification case against reelectionist Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia and other bets by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Task Force Safe disqualification for the sexist remarks uttered in the course of campaigning for the May 12 elections.

Unabia was in hot water for saying that only beautiful women should be nurses as unattractive ones can only worsen a patient’s medical condition.

READ: 1Bangsa presses Comelec to act on complaint vs Unabia

The group said such behavior has no place in elections — let alone in public office — and called the disqualification case a crucial step in holding candidates and officials accountable for perpetuating sexism and misogyny.

“Government leaders must uphold respect, dignity, and equality — not propagate toxic, patriarchal views that endanger women and diminish their contributions to society,” Gabriela said in a statement.

Gabriela urged Comelec to take similar action against other candidates who have made disrespectful and lewd remarks during the campaign period.

These include Mocha Uson, who used a lewd campaign jingle, and Silang mayoral candidate Alston Kevin Anarna, who raffled off the names of widows to solo parents and paired them as “spouses.”

“Filipino women, who make up more than half of the electorate, deserve no less from Comelec. We call on voters to let our voices serve the marginalized and oppressed. Zero votes for misogynists,” the group said.