Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia said Friday that his remarks about "attractive" nursing scholars were not meant to stereotype nor demean any group.

In response to the show cause order issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on 7 April, stemming from the statement he made implying that nursing scholarships are intended for women, "especially those who are physically attractive," Unabia argued his remark "was clearly delivered in a colloquial and informal tone."

"Characteristic of campaign banter and not as a matter of public policy or exclusionary criteria," Unabia said.

"Remarks, which while casual and unscripted, do not intend to stereotype or demean any group but rather, made solely for the purpose of engaging with the audience in a relatable and informal manner," he added.

He also argued that his remark "must be viewed within the bounds" of the right of freedom of expression.

Further, a coalition of Filipino Muslim leaders filed a verified intervention before the Comelec on April 11, seeking sanctions against Unabia over his insensitive remarks against the Moro people.

In a campaign speech in Balingoan town on April 1, Unabia warned voters that if his slate and local allies were defeated in the upcoming polls, their localities risked being dominated by Maranaos.

Unabia also said that in such an event, the province and the city could suffer from security instability, just like in the Bangsamoro.

In his letter to Comelec, the re-electionist governor likewise argued that he did not make "derogatory generalizations toward the Maranao people or any Muslim community nor intended to pursue religious or ethnic bias."

"Nowhere in my statements did I identify, accuse, or associate any candidate, group, or community as criminals, terrorists, or subversives in violation of the labeling clause," Unabia said.

"The presentation was a general cautionary discussion grounded on past events and security concerns, not an imputation of guilt and malice."

He added that his track record "reflects collaboration with and respect for Muslim constituents."