The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Committee on Kontra-Bigay has issued show cause orders (SCOs) against two local candidates in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, for alleged vote-buying.
In its order dated April 22, the anti-vote-buying committee asked Bulalacao mayoral bet Ernilo Villas to explain why he should not be disqualified from the May 12 midterm elections after he allegedly distributed cash worth P2,000 per individual in Barangay Poblacion under the “pretense of a work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD)” on March 27, March 28, and April 2.
This may constitute a violation of Section 261(a) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) as enforced under Section 26(k) of Comelec Resolution No. 11104, which pertains to presumed vote-buying and vote-selling, according to the Committee on Kontra-Bigay.
“In light of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to show cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt hereof and to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” the SCO stated.
Section 26(k) of Comelec Resolution No. 11104 prohibits “giving, distributing, and receiving any assistance or ‘ayuda’ other than those that are normally given to qualified individuals, such as, but not limited to, basic needs and assistance, during the campaign period, whether given by the candidate or his or her relative within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity, or their known supporters or employees.”
Likewise, the Committee on Kontra-Bigay directed Edna Villas, candidate for Bulalacao vice mayor, to explain her supposed involvement in the alleged vote-buying incident after she was also found to be distributing cash.
The committee issued a separate SCO for the vice mayoral candidate but also provided three days for her to file her answer on the order.
“You are hereby warned that failure on your part to comply with the SCO shall be considered as a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case/s against you,” the SCO said.
Nueva Ecija congressional bet
Meanwhile, the committee also issued an SCO against Emerson Pascual, who is seeking reelection as congressman of the 4th district of Nueva Ecija, for vote-buying after he allegedly promised to give money in two barangays in the Gapan town.
During his speech at a campaign stop, Pascual allegedly committed to providing financial support to an individual who was starting a business, stating that the funds would be given immediately after the program, and paying the hospital bills of three individuals.
Pascual also supposedly committed to cover the expenses for the medical treatment of all individuals with autism in the barangay and assured that anyone in need of assistance should approach the barangay captain, who will personally accompany them to his office.
“It is the position of this Committee that the foregoing constitutes a possible violation of Section 261(a)3 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, or the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), as implemented by Section 26(b) of Comelec Resolution No. 11104,” said the SCO.
The congressional candidate was given three days to respond to the order. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
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