(PHILIPPINES)
Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News) [Hong Kong]
April 9, 2025
By UCA News reporter
Voters should not elect candidates who lack values during the May elections, critics say
Two Philippine politicians who will contest in the upcoming midterm elections in May issued public apologies after their sexist remarks triggered strong backlash from various quarters, including the Church and netizens.
Critics say the remarks by Misamis Oriental City gubernatorial candidate Peter Unabia and Pasay City congressional candidate and lawyer Christian Sia exposed deep-rooted misogyny in the society of the Catholic-majority nation.
Unabia and Sia came under fire after they made lewd remarks about women on April 3.
Unabia, who is seeking re-election, said during a nursing scholarship program that nursing was a profession “only for beautiful women” and not for men and “unattractive” female applicants.
He added that nurses who are unattractive “could possibly bring harm to the health condition of their patients.”
Sia’s sexist joke during a political campaign rally was even more misogynistic and lewd when he offered to “sleep with” lonely, fertile single mothers.
Reports say Sia faces a possible disqualification by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the remarks.
Unabia issued an apology for his remarks on April 6.
“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 said in the statement.
“I understand the struggles of single parents, and I don’t make jokes about it. My intention is to help their sector… I’m truly sorry for those who were hurt, and I promise it won’t happen again,” he said.
“Moving forward, you’ll only hear me discussing issues that deserve attention,” he added.
Meanwhile, on April 9, the COMELEC issued a show-cause notice to Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, an incumbent district representative from Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines, to explain within three days his alleged misogynistic and lewd remarks against a widow, asking her to kiss a politician.
He is the fourth election candidate warned by the COMELEC due to their sexist and racist remarks in the past weeks.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a Catholic Church-based poll watchdog, strongly condemned the sexist remarks and reminded voters to view the cases as “a wake-up call.”
“We need to choose our candidates with discernment based on values,” the group’s spokesperson Ana Singson said in a statement on April 7.
“These incidents remind us that the vote is sacred, and that we should discern and select candidates based on key values,” Singson said.
Irma Mepico, program secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, said she was troubled by the misogynistic remarks.
“As a pastor, I find the sexist and misogynistic remarks made by some politicians deeply troubling and condemning. These comments not only disrespect women but also reveal a lack of respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals, particularly women,” she told UCA News.
“Such behavior is unbecoming of anyone seeking leadership, and it demonstrates a dangerous disregard for the principles of equality and justice. We must challenge these attitudes and behaviors wherever they arise, both publicly and privately,” she added.
The Protestant church official reminded Filipinos that as voters, they have a moral obligation to reject candidates who engage in such behavior.
Lawyer, rights activist, and former justice secretary Leila de Lima strongly condemned the misogynism by male politicians.
“Women are not ornaments, not props, not punchlines. We are leaders, builders, advocates. We deserve better — and we will demand better,” she said in a statement.
“The road to a truly just and respectful society is long. But we will keep walking it — together, and with conviction,” she added.