Comelec orders more candidates asked to explain ‘sexist, racist’ remarks
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called out two local officials to explain their sexist and racist campaign remarks which could be actionable under election and other related laws
The poll body’s Task Force SAFE (Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections) issued separate show cause orders to reelectionist Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan, who is the sitting vice mayor of Mataasnakahoy.
The Comelec gave both officials three days to explain why they should not face an election offense case or be disqualified for violating Comelec’s anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.
Just last week, the Comelec issued a similar order to Pasig congressional candidate Ian Sia, who joked about offering to sleep with single mothers.
Unabia’s case
Unabia’s show cause order covers controversial remarks during a campaign event on April 3, which was also live streamed on his Facebook page. One of the comments involved his statement that only beautiful women should pursue nursing as a profession.
“Kining nursing, para ra ni sa mga babaye, dili pwede ang lalaki. And, kato 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,” Unabia said.
[Translation: This nursing program is really for women, not men. And the women should be beautiful, not ugly, because the condition of male patients would only worsen if the nurse is ugly.]
Rep. Arlene Brosas of women’s group Gabriela party-list called it a “gross display of misogyny and discrimination.”
Unabia was also criticized for insinuating that electing candidates from the Maranao or Bangsamoro communities would only lead to trouble for the province.
The official Tagalog translation from Comelec stated: “Last election, may harassment sa Gingoog City. Meron. Apat na kapitan sa Ginoog hinarass, inakyat. Sinong umakyat? Mga Maranao.”
”Maniwala kayo, kung mangyayari na mapapalitan ang ating mga katunggali soon, soon… ang ating mga Mayors ay manggagaling na sa BARMM area. Okay ba kayo o hindi?… Ang magiging katunggali ninyo ay mga inenglish na… Kung ayaw niyong pumayag nito, ating ipagpatuloy ang ating pagkakaisa,” the translation read.
[Translation: During the last election, there was harassment in Gingoog City. Yes, there was. Four barangay captains in Gingoog were harassed, they were attacked. Who attacked them? The Maranaos. Believe me, if it happens that our rivals will be replaced soon, soon… our mayors will come from the BARMM area. Are you okay with that or not? Your rivals will be Maranaos. If you don’t want to agree to this, let’s continue our unity.]
The Bangsamoro government called Unabia’s comments “uncalled for,” highlighting the need for deeper mutual understanding and dialogue on cultural sensitivity.
Unabia has since apologized for his remarks about Maranaos, but did not address his joke about nurses.
“We recognize that our words may have been open to various interpretations and could have been perceived as lacking the necessary sensitivity,” Unabia said.
“We sincerely apologize, as it was never our intention to cause offense or to undermine the rich history, identity, and dignity of the Maranao people,” he added.
He, however, criticized his political rivals, claiming they blew the issue out of proportion and took his comments out of context.
The poll body stated that Unabia’s comments could be considered discrimination against women, gender-based harassment, and labeling.
Ilagan’s case
Earlier, on March 25, Ilagan made comments about his opponent, former Batangas governor and representative Vilma Santos, targeting her career as an actress.
“Ang aking kalaban ay isang Vilma Santos lang na laos na. Hindi ako takot. Kung sa Kathryn Bernardo at si Andrea Brillantes ay takot ako,” he said.
“Pero Vilma Santos, marami naman sa mga fans niya ang namamahinga na rin, ang iba rin naman, ay syempre nasa edad yan,” he added.
[Translation: My opponent is just an outdated Vilma Santos. I’m not afraid. If it were Kathryn Bernardo or Andrea Brillantes, I would be scared. But Vilma Santos, many of her fans have already passed away, and of course, it’s because of her age.]
Comelec stated that these remarks could be considered discrimination against women and gender-based harassment, and has demanded an explanation from Ilagan.
