Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday assured candidates in the May 12 elections that there is no discrimination when it comes to the issuance of show cause orders (SCOs) to those accused of committing campaign infractions. "If you look at the list of those with SCOs, it doesn't look into the political parties nor the positions involved," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview. "We will issue (SCOs) to whoever needs to explain to the Comelec."

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec has been consistent in its approach, as seen during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Garcia emphasized that the electoral body's actions remain unbiased, regardless of whether the candidates are from barangay, SK, national, or local levels. Data from Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay revealed that a total of 213 SCOs have been served related to the distribution of cash assistance, and 67 SCOs have been issued due to alleged misuse of government assistance programs.

Five mayoralty candidates in Metro Manila, including Stella Quimbo (Marikina City), Francisco Domagoso, Samuel Versoza, and Honey Lacuna (Manila), and Jeannie Sandoval (Malabon), have been issued SCOs. Additionally, gubernatorial candidates such as Zarah Rose Lara (Cagayan), Danilo Fernandez (Laguna), Reynante Tolentino (Aurora), and Datu Ali Midtimbang (Maguindanao del Sur) are also under scrutiny.

Comelec's records show that the regions with the most SCOs issued include Calabarzon with 44, the National Capital Region with 33, Central Luzon with 18, and both Bicol and Mimaropa with 16 each. Garcia highlighted the importance of the SCOs, stating, "The show cause order is important to start the process. We cannot just file cases without it (SCO) as the case may just be dismissed eventually."

He further asserted that through the issuance of SCOs, Comelec has demonstrated its determination to file petitions to disqualify candidates who violate campaign regulations.