MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) maintained that there is no discrimination in the issuance of show cause orders (SCOs) to those accused of committing campaign infractions.
In an interview with the media, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said it was not the first time they issued SCOs; they also did it during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
“If you look at the list of those with SCOs, (Comelec) doesn’t look into the political parties or the positions involved,” Garcia said. “We issue (SCOs) to whoever needs to explain to the Comelec.”
He added: “We will do the same as there shouldn’t be any distinction in our actions, whether barangay or SK or national or local candidates,” he added.
Based on Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay, a total of 213 SCOs have already been served involving the distribution of cash assistance and 67 SCOs issued due to alleged misuse of government assistance programs.
Five candidates for mayor in Metro Manila – Stella Quimbo (Marikina City), Francisco Domagoso, Samuel Versoza, and Honey Lacuna (Manila), along with Jeannie Sandoval (Malabon) – have received SCOs.
Additionally, gubernatorial candidates Zarah Rose Lara (Cagayan), Danilo Fernandez (Laguna), Reynante Tolentino (Aurora), and Datu Ali Midtimbang (Maguindanao del Sur) have also been issued SCOs.
The regions with the highest number of SCOs include Calabarzon with 44, the National Capital Region with 33, Central Luzon with 18, and both Bicol and Mimaropa with 16 each.
“The show cause order is important to start the process,” Garcia said. “We cannot just file cases without it (SCO) as the case may just be dismissed eventually.”/PN
