THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order to Misamis Oriental Governor and reelectionist Peter Unabia over controversial remarks he made during a campaign event, where he joked that only “beautiful women” should receive nursing scholarships.
Comelec Task Force SAFE head Sonia Wee-Lozada directed Unabia to submit a written explanation within three days, or risk facing election offense charges.
The commission cited potential violations of the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaign Guidelines under Resolution No. 11116, which prohibits acts of gender-based harassment, discrimination against women and persons with disabilities, and other similar conduct during the campaign period.
Unabia sparked backlash during his April 3 campaign speech when he claimed male patients might get worse if attended to by “ugly” nurses, suggesting that beauty should be a criterion for nursing scholarships.
Comelec is also investigating another statement by Unabia during the same event, where he warned that electing candidates with Bangsamoro ties could bring “trouble” to Misamis Oriental—comments flagged as potentially discriminatory toward Maranaos.
