CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – A Commission on Elections (Comelec) task force on Monday, April 7, gave Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia three days to explain why a formal election a petition for disqualification should not be filed against him in connection with remarks he made during separate campaign rallies in his province. 

The remarks, widely criticized as sexist and discriminatory, have resulted in a backlash from Muslim and women’s rights groups and have raised the possibility of a disqualification petition against him.

The Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force Safe) issued the directive, ordering Unabia to respond in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt of the notice. 

Sonia Bea Wee-Lozadfa, Task Force Safe head, warned that a “complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification” could be filed against Unabia in response to his comments, which have been condemned as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about people from the Bangsamoro region, and women.

Unabia’s statements, which quickly spread across social media, have been widely criticized for stereotyping people from the Bangsamoro region and reinforcing gender-based stereotypes. 

The task force noted that in one rally, Unabia said that the capitol’s nursing scholarship program is only for “beautiful women.”

“Kining nursing, para ra ni sa mga babaye, dili pwede ang lalaki. And, kadto pa gyud mga babaye nga gwapa. Dili man pwede ang maot, kay kung luya na ang mga lalaki, atubangon sa pangit nga nurse, naunsa naman, mosamot atong sakit ana,” the task force quoted him as saying in jest.

(This nursing scholarship, it’s only for women, not for men. And, it should be for beautiful women. Ugly women aren’t allowed because when men are already feeling weak, facing an unattractive nurse, what’s going to happen? Our condition will just get worse.)

The task force also noted that in another campaign rally, Unabia presented a slideshow with the title “Mga panghitabo sa BARMM areas” (Situation in the BARMM areas) while warning voters against candidates with ties of Maranao politicians.

“O, Katoliko nga simbahan gibombahan… Mosugot mo moabot na diri? … Dinhi sa atong Cagayan de Oro, kung moadto ka sa Villa Candida, wala nay Kristiyano didto – nanghawa na… Bantay mo diha. Pero reyalidad ni sya ha nga pusibli mahitabo sa ato… Mosugot mo, dili? Ayaw mog sugot,” Unabia was quoted as saying in the task force’s show cause order.

(Oh, a Catholic church was bombed… Would you agree if it comes here? … Here in our Cagayan de Oro, if you go to Villa Candida subdivision, there are no Christians left there – they’ve all left… Be careful over there. But this is a reality that could happen to us… Would you agree, or not? Don’t allow this.)

Critics have stated that the comments undermine efforts to foster inclusivity and respect, particularly in Mindanao, which has faced decades of conflict and is still healing from its effects.

In the four-page order, the task force cited Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which upholds the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines. The resolution, in line with national laws like the Magna Carta of Women and the Safe Spaces Act, seeks to prevent and penalize discrimination and harassment, including gender-based and ethnic stereotyping. 

It also cited a Supreme Court ruling that defines “discrimination against women,” “gender-based harassment,” and “labeling” as election-related offenses.

“,,, You are hereby ordered to show cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt hereof and to explain why a complaint for election office and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” the notice read in part.

Unabia, who is seeking reelection, has issued a statement, clarifying that he was merely raising awareness about local safety concerns, particularly related to counterfeit money and unfamiliar individuals in the province. He said he was quoted out of context, but did not say what his context was.

His vague statement, which faulted his political opponents instead, failed to quell the growing criticism, with many asserting that his remarks were an affront to women and undermined the fragile peace-building efforts in Mindanao.

Unabia’s candidacy is being challenged by a group led by former Misamis Oriental 2nd District representative and gubernatorial candidate Juliette Uy. The group has fielded lawyer Karen Lagbas as a congressional candidate against the governor’s son, 1st District Representative Christian Unabia.

Lagbas is reported to have close ties with a prominent Maranao politician, a matter she has not openly spoken about. – Rappler.com