Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia's statement about nurses and scholarships has become controversial, drawing strong reactions from Filipinos. During a campaign sortie on April 3 in Villanueva, Quezon City, Unabia said that his nursing scholarship program is only for beautiful women. He said, "Men can't be, and women should be beautiful." He also noted that if a nurse is not beautiful, the condition of patients can get worse.
Unabia's statement immediately angered nurses and nursing students, as well as other Filipinos. Some of them reacted on social media, saying that the governor's statement was not only sexist but also damaging to the dignity of male nursing students. According to an online comment, a public official should not use his position to insult and make inaccurate statements about a profession.
Netizens have stated that being a nurse is not about looks, but about responsibility and skills in helping patients. According to one comment, "Patients, especially in hospitals or critical cases, don't care whether their nurse is pretty or ugly; what matters is that they get treated and get better."
Unabia's statement was condemned by various sectors, including the Gabriela Women’s Party-list, which said it was a clear example of misogyny and discrimination against women. According to Rep. Arlene Brosas, the country's health problems are not because of the appearance of nurses but because of mismanagement of the government.
Due to the controversy, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a show cause order to Unabia on April 7, giving her three days to explain why she should not be charged with election offense or disqualification. Her statements were cited as possible violations of gender-based harassment and discrimination against women.
