Misamis Oriental Gov. Unabia faces disqualification from Comelec over 'beautiful women' joke

Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia is facing a disqualification petition from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after making a controversial joke about a nursing scholarship, stating it was only for "beautiful women." The Comelec deemed his comments a violation of its Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaign Guidelines, labeling them as gender-based harassment.

During a campaign rally on April 3, 2025, in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, Governor Peter "Sr. Pedro" Unabia made a controversial comment regarding his administration's nursing scholarship program. Speaking in Bisaya, he stated: 'Itong nursing scholarship para lang ito sa mga babae. Hindi pwede ang lalaki. At dapat 'yung mga babae, gwapa.'

Unabia defended his remark, claiming it was a harmless joke and part of his right to free speech as a political candidate. The incident has sparked debate on the boundaries of free speech in politics and whether such comments should be tolerated in public office.

The Comelec is set to review the case, which could set a precedent for similar incidents in the future.