THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed a disqualification case against Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia over alleged discriminatory remarks made during a campaign rally.
Comelec Chair George Garcia said on Monday that the poll body’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections lodged the case before the Office of the Clerk.
As of posting time, the Comelec has not yet released a copy of the petition.
Unabia, who is seeking reelection, had earlier been issued a show cause order for allegedly violating Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which covers anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.
During an April 3 campaign event, Unabia allegedly claimed that the province’s nursing scholarship program was reserved for “beautiful” female students. He was also accused of stating that Maranaos could pose a security threat to Misamis Oriental if his son, First District Rep. Christian Unabia, loses his reelection bid to a candidate married to a Maranao politician.
The Comelec task force said the remarks could constitute discrimination against women, gender-based harassment, and ethnic labeling.
In response, Unabia defended his comments, arguing that they fall under protected political speech aimed at fostering transparency and encouraging public engagement.