Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through its Task Force Kontra Bigay, has ordered five candidates in the upcoming May 12 elections to explain their alleged involvement in vote-buying activities. These candidates are accused of distributing gifts and financial assistance as part of their campaign efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the show cause orders (SCOs) were issued separately against a mayoral and a vice mayoral candidate in Oriental Mindoro, two congressional candidates from Nueva Ecija and Palawan, and a candidate vying for a national position. The local candidates in Oriental Mindoro allegedly facilitated the distribution of PHP2,000 per recipient in a supposed work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as per evidence submitted on April 7, 2025.

In Nueva Ecija, a candidate must explain a social media video in which he promises financial incentives in exchange for support. Meanwhile, the Palawan candidate is under scrutiny for distributing free movie tickets during his campaign. The national candidate is being questioned for her participation in a February 16, 2025, event in Imus, Cavite, where she was photographed delivering a speech and interacting with attendees, some of whom were seen holding cash while embracing her.

The Comelec has instructed the five candidates to submit their responses via courier or electronic mail. The commission has warned that failure to comply with the show cause orders will be treated as a waiver of their right to be heard, potentially leading to the filing of appropriate charges against them.