2 poll bets summoned over ‘kissing auction’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered Mayor Julio Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno of Urdaneta, Pangasinan to explain their alleged involvement in a “kissing auction” that occurred during a campaign sortie.

This developed after video footage circulating on social media showed an elderly woman being called on stage during the sortie.

The woman was reportedly subjected to a public bidding for a kiss, starting at P1,000 and reaching P5,000.

The incident, which occurred on April 24, sparked public outrage online, with netizens describing it as exploitative and demeaning, particularly toward vulnerable women.

The Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Fear and Exclusion in Elections flagged the stunt as a potential case of gender-based harassment and violation of the poll body’s Resolution 1116, which promotes anti-discrimination and fair campaigning for the May 12 elections.

The resolution is aligned with local ordinances protecting marginalized groups from bullying, harassment and other degrading acts.

The Paraynos were ordered to submit a written explanation within three days upon receipt of the show-cause order issued by the Comelec on May 8.

Failure to comply would mean waiving their right to be heard and may result in the filing of an election offense complaint or a petition for disqualification against them.

Vote buying

Meanwhile, the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay ordered Laoag City Mayor and reelectionist Michael Keon to explain allegations of vote buying.

The order stemmed from a report that a supporter of Keon has been arrested for distributing money to voters.

The act, according to Kontra Bigay, may constitute a violation of Section 261(a)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code and related provisions under Resolution 111043.

Keon was given three days to respond or face charges.

As of Thursday, the Kontra Bigay said it had received around 450 reports of vote buying and abuse of state resources.

A total of 106 candidates have so far been issued show-cause orders. — Artemio Dumlao