Incumbent Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia is reportedly set to file an election protest after failing to secure a second term in the 2025 midterm elections.

Unabia’s camp reportedly sent a letter to the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) while the canvassing of votes was still ongoing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

According to PBOC chairman, Atty. Carlito Ravelo, the governor and his son, Congressman Christian Unabia, are planning to contest the results of the election on the grounds of alleged electoral fraud.

Congressman Unabia also lost his reelection bid in the congressional race for the province’s first district.

“Governor Unabia and Cong. Unabia intend to file an electoral protest citing grounds of alleged fraudulent activities in the May 12, 2025 elections,” Ravelo said.

“Wala man siyay gi-raise na issue intent raman nga mag-file siya atong hulaton kung unsay iyang iduso but continue ta sa proseso,” Ravelo added.

Unabia lost the gubernatorial race to former Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Juliette Uy, who was proclaimed the newly elected governor after garnering more than 325,000 votes.

Uy’s camp said they were not surprised by Unabia’s move.

“Instead of accepting their defeat they would insist their wrongdoing is our wrongdoing,” Uy’s legal counsel, Atty. Angel Lim, said.

Uy is pushing for unity under her administration.

“Kung ako na inyong gobernadora karong adlawa kitang tanan maghiusa wala natay away2 we will be united,” Uy said.