Misamis Oriental governor Peter Unabia. Misamis Oriental local government's website

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday issued a show cause order for reelectionist Misamis Oriental governor Peter Unabia to explain why he should not be held liable after making a joke about a nursing scholarship that favors "beautiful women."

Comelec Task Force SAFE head Sonia Wee-Lozada gave Unabia three days to explain his side in writing.

The commission believes Unabia violated provisions of the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaign Guidelines under its Resolution 11116.

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Under Section 3 of the said resolution, any person who directly or indirectly commits acts of bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against PWDs on the use of public accommodations, and gender-based harassment among others is considered an election offense.

Comelec refers to Unabia’s utterances during a campaign event last April 3 where he claimed that only “beautiful women” were qualified for nursing scholarships.

Unabia said male patients’ health could get worse if an “ugly” nurse is assigned to take care of them.

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The poll body is also questioning Unabia’s sweeping statements that Maranaos would only bring trouble to Misamis Oriental if candidates with Bangsamoro ties gained power in their province.

Failure to comply to the show cause order, according to Comelec, shall be construed as a waiver on the part of Unabia of his right to be heard and filing of appropriate charges against him.