Comelec tells nine local candidates to explain possible violations

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will ask nine more local candidates to explain allegations of vote buying and abuse of public funds, poll chairman George Garcia said on Thursday, April 24.

Among those who will be issued a show cause order are Manila mayoral candidates Francisco “Isko” Moreno and Sam Verzosa for supposed vote buying.

Moreno, a former mayor, allegedly handed out P3,000 to public school teachers. Verzosa, a party-list lawmaker, distributed goods with his initials SV.

Re-electionist Caloocan Mayor Dale “Along” Malapitan may have possibly bought votes and abused public funds, Comelec said, by handing out P3,225 in an event at the Galino Covered Court.

Masbate Rep. Richard Kho, who is running for governor, will be asked to shed light on the potential abuse of state resources after he allegedly used emergency alerts for campaigning.

The following candidates will also receive show cause orders for presumed vote buying:

+ Leyte congressional bet and anti-graft advocate Levito Baligod - held a raffle with prizes bearing his name and face

+ Baybay City, Leyte mayoral bet Marilou Baligod, wife of Levito -held a raffle with prizes bearing her name and face

+ Quezon City 3rd District Sangguniang Panlungsod member bet Julian Edward Emerson Coseteng, son of former Sen. Nikki Coseteng - offered e-wallet prizes worth P500

+ Bulacan 4th District Sangguniang Panlalawigan member bet Anna Kathrina Hernandez - gave away dish racks, electric fans, rice, and shirts

+ Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya Sangguniang Bayan member bet Jerry Jose - distributed live pigs