Comelec orders 29 bets to explain ‘vote buying’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered 29 candidates in local races across the country  to respond to allegations of vote buying.

Among the 29 are Mayors Dale Malapitan of Caloocan and Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon and Manila mayoral bet Isko Moreno.

The Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay issued show-cause orders against Moreno, Malapitan, Manila mayoral candidate Samuel Versoza Jr. and a Quezon City bet for councilor.

Based on information reaching the Comelec, Moreno allegedly distributed P3,000 in cash to teachers.

Moreno’s camp declined to comment.

Versoza reportedly distributed goods with his name SV during a campaign event at the San Andres Sports Complex on April 24.

The attendees reportedly received P1,000 each. He denied the allegations of vote buying.

Malapitan allegedly distributed P3,225 to Caloocan voters.

Malapitan clarified that the cash distribution was part of a city hall program, which had been granted exemption by the poll body on Feb. 7.

“It was legal and permitted by the Comelec,” he said.

The Comelec also summoned Jerry Jose, who is running for municipal councilor of Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya; Masbate Gov. Richard Kho;  Baybay City congressional candidate Levito Baligod and Baybay City mayoral bet Marilou Baligod.

The poll body said it received reports that Jose distributed live pigs in exchange for votes.

Ana Kathrina Hernandez, who is running for municipal councilor in Bulacan, also received a show-cause order for allegedly giving away electric fans and other valuables to voters.

The Baligods allegedly held raffles with prizes bearing their names and faces.

Kho was summoned by the Comelec for reportedly using the emergency alert system to broadcast names of candidates.

Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, Alaminos, Laguna Vice Mayor Victor Mitra, Alaminos Mayor Eric Reyes, Alaminos Councilor Joey Briz, Isabela Rep. Joseph Tan, Bulacan Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Anna Kathrina Hernandez Santiago, Isabela Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan, Pandan , Catuandes Mayor Raul Tabirara, Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula and Eastern Samar Councilor Rex Docena were ordered to explain why they should not be disqualified and charged with election offenses.

Show cause orders were also issued against  Montevista, Davao de Oro Mayor Cyrex Basalo, Aurora Gov. Reynante Tolentino,  Santiago City Sangguniang Panglunsod member Sherman Miguel, Eastern Samar Rep. Maria Fe Abunda,Maria, Aurora Mayor Ariel Bitong, Sannguninag Bayan member Elizabeth Farin, Palawan Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, Maguindanao del Sur Datu Ali Midtimbang and Sangguninang Panglunsod member Anton Phoenix Abaya.

The Comelec ordered the local candidates to submit a written explanation on why they should not be disqualified and charged with election offenses. –  Mark Ernest Villeza, Ghio Ong