GABRIELA, the largest gender rights alliance in the country, welcomed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Task Force’s disqualification case against
reelectionist Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia for his sexist slurs and demeaning remarks about nurses, as well as against Pasig cadidate lawyer Christian Sia.
The group said such behavior has no place in elections — let alone in public office — and called the move a crucial step in holding candidates and officials accountable for perpetuating sexism and misogyny.
“Government leaders must uphold respect, dignity, and equality — not propagate toxic, patriarchal views that endanger women and diminish their contributions to society,” Gabriela’s statement reads in part.
Gabriela urged Comelec to take similar action against other candidates who have made disrespectful and lewd remarks during the campaign period.
These include Mocha Uson, who used a lewd campaign jingle, and Silang mayoral candidate lawyer Alston Kevin Anarna, who raffled off the names of widows to solo parents and paired them as “spouses.”
Gabriela reiterated its call for misogyny, discrimination, and acts that degrade women and other marginalized sectors to be grounds for official disqualification from public office.
“Filipino women, who make up more than half of the electorate, deserve no less from Comelec. We call on voters to let our voices serve the marginalized and oppressed. Zero votes for misogynists,” the group said.
