Comelec tells governor: Explain sexist remark

MANILA, Philippines — For saying only beautiful women deserve to receive a scholarship  for nursing school during a campaign sortie, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia may face possible disqualification and an election offense case.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday issued a show-cause order, giving Unabia a non-extendible three-day period to explain why a petition should not be filed to disqualify him from the elections on May 12.

“In our view, the foregoing (utterances) constitute violation of Comelec resolution on anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines for the midterm polls,” the Comelec said.

The poll body noted the reelectionist governor’s remarks during a campaign rally on April 3, wherein he said only beautiful women should be given nursing scholarships.

Unabia also reportedly said the health conditions of male patients may worsen if ugly nurses are assigned to take care of them.

“Failure to comply with this order shall be construed as waiver of right to be heard and filing of appropriate case,” the Comelec said as it directed Unabia to submit his written explanation via electronic mail to the Task Force Safe of the poll body.

Also yesterday, the Comelec ordered Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan of Mataasnakahoy town to explain within three days why he should not be disqualified to run for governor of Batangas.

Ilagan was quoted as saying during a campaign on March 29 that he is not afraid of running against rival candidate Vilma Santos because she is “laos na” or no longer popular.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia advised candidates to be responsible and stop making discriminatory jokes.

“It’s a lesson to everyone that we can’t make jokes at the expense of others,” Garcia said.

He added that the Comelec would be monitoring social media postings to check campaign violations being committed by candidates.