Comelec Probes ‘Kissing Auction’ in Urdaneta Campaign
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on incumbent Urdaneta, Pangasinan Mayor Rammy Parayno and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno to explain a controversial event during their campaign. Reports surfaced that the Paraynos held a “kissing auction” involving an elderly woman on stage.
Comelec Task Force SAFE issued a show cause order (SCO) after videos circulated on social media. In the footage, the Paraynos allegedly invited bids starting at P1,000, which eventually reached P5,000, for a kiss from the elderly lady. The poll body classified the act as gender-based harassment.
The SCO instructs the Paraynos to submit a written explanation within three days. Failure to comply will be seen as waiving their right to be heard and may lead to complaints for election offenses or disqualification petitions.
So far, the Paraynos have not responded to requests for comment.
Vote-Buying Allegations Against Laoag Mayoral Candidate
Samantala, the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay issued a similar show cause order against Michael Keon, a mayoral candidate in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. The order follows reports and a social media post dated May 8, showing one of Keon’s supporters arrested over alleged vote-buying.
The committee cited possible violations of the Omnibus Election Code. Keon has also been given three days to respond.
Like the Paraynos, Keon has yet to comment on the allegations.
Rising Reports of Election Violations
Bukod pa rito, Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay revealed it has received over 400 reports involving vote-buying, vote-selling, and abuse of state resources related to the upcoming Eleksyon 2025. These reports underscore the challenges the poll body faces in ensuring a fair and clean election.
The Commission remains firm in its commitment to investigate and address such issues promptly, protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
