Metro Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order to a gubernatorial candidate in Nueva Ecija for possible “public ridicule” of a mayoral bet.
In the April 9 notice to explain – shared to the media on Thursday, April 10 – the poll body flagged former General Tinio Mayor Virgilio Bote’s remark in a campaign as seen in a Facebook video.
Bote said wooing voters got easier as the mayoral candidate of another slate has been confined for cancer.
Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, Comelec Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections director, said Bote’s remarks may constitute a possible violation of its Resolution 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines.
She quoted Section 3 of the resolution on “public ridicule” against persons with disabilities as an election offense.
“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to SHOW CAUSE in writing within a non-extendible period of three (3) days from receipt hereof and to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” the notice stated.
The uploader of the Facebook video, which Comelec cited in its order, said Bote’s remark on the hospitalization of Gen. Tinio Mayor Isidro Pajarillaga was false. The uploader added that Pajarillaga’s camp is eyeing legal action against Bote.
The Comelec has released a number of show cause orders to other candidates in the May midterm polls over misogynistic and discriminatory remarks.
