MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to issue additional show cause orders (SCOs) to national and local candidates allegedly involved in vote-buying and abuse of state resources (ASR) in connection with the Eleksyon 2025 campaign period.
The Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay confirmed Thursday that nine more candidates, including prominent figures such as Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Sam Versoza Jr., both vying for Manila mayor, will be asked to explain their actions.
Allegations Include Cash, Goods Distribution, and Public Resource Use
Moreno is accused of distributing ₱3,000 to public school teachers, while Versoza allegedly gave away goods branded with his initials “SV.” Both incidents are under review to determine whether they qualify as vote-buying.
Other candidates facing SCOs include:
Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan – for alleged cash distribution at a local government facility
Quezon City candidate Julian Coseteng – for offering ₱500 GCash prizes
Masbate gubernatorial bet Richard Kho – for using emergency alerts to promote candidates’ names
Leyte congressional candidate Levito Baligod and mayoralty bet Marilou Baligod – for distributing rally prizes with their names and faces
Nueva Vizcaya official Jerry Jose – for allegedly distributing live pigs
Bulacan’s Anna Kathrina Hernandez – for giving away household items including dish racks, electric fans, rice, and shirts
Malapitan: Comelec Approved Our Program
In response, Mayor Malapitan clarified that the cash distribution was part of Caloocan’s “Agapay sa Manggagawa” program, which received a Comelec exemption on February 7, 2025, allowing its continuation during the election spending ban.
“This activity is part of our regular livelihood program and was approved by the Comelec,” Malapitan stated in a social media post, adding that the city government remains committed to honest and fair elections.
Comelec: Strict Rules on Public Spending During Campaign
Under Section 261 (v)(1) of the Omnibus Election Code, government officials are barred from disbursing public funds within 45 days before a regular election and 30 days before a special election, unless with a Comelec-issued exemption.
As per Comelec Resolution No. 11060, government programs involving social welfare or services require certificates of exemption to operate legally during the public spending ban period from March 28 to May 11, 2025.