Manila: Governor Peter Unabia affirmed on Tuesday that he continues to be an official candidate in the upcoming May 12 elections, despite facing a disqualification petition filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

According to Philippines News Agency, Unabia clarified in a statement that his camp has not received an official copy of Comelec's disqualification complaint, which started circulating online earlier this week. Unabia, who is running for a second term, emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with the people of Misamis Oriental, who he believes are the best judges of who can serve them most effectively.

The disqualification petition was initiated by Comelec's Task Force Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections. The 'motu proprio' petition claims that Unabia's campaign remarks allegedly propagated sexist stereotypes about female nurses and expressed cultural and religious prejudice against the Meranaw people in the Bangsamoro region. Unabia had earlier responded to a show-cause order from Task Force Safe in early April, denying the allegations against him.

In a separate statement, the civil organization One Bangsamoro Movement, led by Maulana Balangi, expressed its support for Comelec's actions and vowed to closely monitor the situation. Maulana emphasized the importance of political platforms that uplift rather than undermine communities and called for campaign trails that inspire hope rather than fuel division. The group has also filed a verified intervention with Comelec concerning Unabia's disqualification.