Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through its Task Force Kontra Bigay, has issued show cause orders (SCOs) to six mayoral candidates and 11 other local aspirants for possible violations of election laws, including alleged vote-buying and misuse of government resources during their campaigns. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna is among those who have received SCOs over these allegations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB), led by Teopisto Elnas Jr., released a document identifying the candidates accused of election violations. In addition to Lacuna, the mayoral candidates include Stella Quimbo from Marikina, Denver Christopher Chua from Cavite, Allan Martine de Leon from Taytay, Rizal, Erwin Pastrana from Mauban, Quezon, Rolen Pauline Jr. from Olongapo, and Romulo Avila, running for vice mayor in Quezon province.
Other individuals directed to explain include Quimbo's husband, former Rep. Romero Quimbo, who is seeking a return to Marikina's 2nd District congressional post; Zarah Rose Lara and Danilo Fernandez, gubernatorial candidates for Cagayan and Laguna provinces, respectively. Additional local bets issued with SCOs are Marvin Venus, Kristofer Esguerra, Rhapsody Rivera, Ruben Talon, Butch Suspe±e, and Zake Derequito, who are all members of various Sangguniang Bayan positions.
The party-list group Kamalayan ng Maralita at Malayang Mamamayan Inc. (Kamalayan), through chairperson Imee Reyes, and private individuals Dr. Winfred Rivera and Jeren Jude Bacas have also been ordered to respond. All respondents have been given three days from receipt of the order to explain why no election offense or disqualification case should be filed against them. Responses must be submitted via email to the committee.kontrabigay@co.
Mayor Lacuna has expressed her intention to comply with Comelec's directive, stating, "We will comply with the Comelec's show cause order as soon as we receive a copy because we believe in due process." She further asserted that they are ready to dispute and disprove the allegations made against them.
Comelec has warned that failure to respond will be considered a waiver of the right to be heard and may lead to the filing of appropriate cases.
