MANILA (UCAN): 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. Peter Unabia and Christian Sia came under fire after they made lewd remarks about women on April 3.
Critics say the remarks by Unabia, the Misamis Oriental City gubernatorial candidate, and Sia, the Pasay City congressional candidate and lawyer, exposed deep-rooted misogyny in Philippine society.
Unabia, who is seeking re-election, said during a nursing scholarship programme that nursing was a profession “only for beautiful women” and not for men and “unattractive” female applicants. He added that unattractive nurses who “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 that he faces possible disqualification by the Commission on Elections [COMELEC] for the remarks.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting [PPCRV], Church-based poll watchdog, strongly condemned the sexist remarks and reminded voters to view the cases as “a wake-up call.”
…the remarks by Unabia, the Misamis Oriental City gubernatorial candidate, and Sia, the Pasay City congressional candidate and lawyer, exposed deep-rooted misogyny in Philippine society
“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.
Unabia issued an apology for his remarks on April 6 saying, “We sincerely apologise, as it was never our intention to cause offense or to undermine the rich history, identity, and dignity of the Maranao people.”
Sia also issued a statement of apology on April 6. “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 claimed.
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“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.
These incidents remind us that the vote is sacred, and that we should discern and select candidates based on key values
Ana Singson
He is the fourth candidate in the past weeks to incur a warning from COMELEC due to sexist and racist remarks.
Irma Mepico, from the Protestant Promotion of Church Peoples Response 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 said.
“Such behaviour 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.
Mepico reminded Filipinos that as voters, they have a moral obligation to reject candidates who engage in such behaviour.
Lawyer, rights activist, and former justice secretary, Leila de Lima, strongly condemned the misogynism of 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.
