BULALACAO, Oriental Mindoro — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Committee on Kontra-Bigay has issued show cause orders (SCOs) against two local candidates in Bulalacao over alleged vote-buying activities ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
In an order dated April 22, mayoral candidate Ernilo Villas was directed to explain why he should not be disqualified after allegedly distributing ₱2,000 in cash to individuals in Barangay Poblacion on March 27, 28, and April 2. The cash distribution reportedly took place under the guise of a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) work program.
The Comelec said the incident could constitute a violation of Section 261(a) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) and Section 26(k) of Comelec Resolution No. 11104, which prohibits vote-buying, including the distribution of aid outside government-mandated programs during the campaign period.
“You are hereby ordered to show cause in writing… within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt,” the SCO read, warning that failure to respond may result in the filing of an election offense case or a disqualification petition.
Vice Mayoral Candidate Also Named in Vote-Buying Probe
In a separate order, the same committee also named Edna Villas, candidate for vice mayor of Bulalacao, for her alleged participation in distributing cash during the same period.
She was given the same three-day deadline to respond and warned that failure to reply would be taken as a waiver of her right to be heard.
Section 26(k) of the Comelec resolution explicitly prohibits “giving, distributing, and receiving any assistance or ‘ayuda’ not part of regular, qualified aid programs,” especially if linked to a candidate, their relatives, or supporters.
The Kontra-Bigay Committee, formed to combat vote-buying and vote-selling, is intensifying its enforcement as the election draws nearer, aiming to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
