TWENTY more local bets in the May 12 polls were directed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to explain their alleged involvement in vote buying activities.
Data provided by the Comelec-Committee on Kontra Bigay showed that candidates for congressman (5), governor (2), provincial board member (1), mayor (6), vice mayor (1), and councilor (5) were issued separate show cause orders (SCOs).
Candidates for congressman made to explain are Esmael Mangudadatu (Maguindanao del Sur); Joseph Tan (Isabela Fourth District); Adrian Advincula (Cavite Third District); Maria Fe Abunda (Eastern Samar); and Christopher Gonzales (Palawan).
Gubernatorial bets issued SCOs are Reynante Tolentino (Aurora), and Datu Ali Midtimbang (Maguindanao del Sur).
Six mayoral bets were also told to explain, namely Eric Reyes (Alaminos, Laguna); Alyssa Tan (Santiago City, Isabela); Raul Tabirara (Pandan, Catanduanes); Cyrex Basalo (Montevista, Davao de Oro); Jeannie Sandoval (Malabon City); and Ariel Bitong (Maria Aurora, Aurora).
The vice mayoral candidate in Alaminos, Laguna, Victor Mitra, was also issued an SCO.
Anna Kathrina Hernandez, who is running for provincial board member of Bulacan, was also told to explain her actions.
Candidates for city/municipal councilors, namely Joey Briz (Alaminos, Laguna); Rex Docena (Eastern Samar); Sherman Miguel (Santiago City); Elizabeth Farin; and Anton Abaya, were also given SCOs.
In an interview, Comelec-Committee on Kontra Bigay head Director Teopisto Elnas said their continued issuance of SCOs is proof that they are serious when it comes to incidents of vote buying and abuse of state resources.
"We just want to show everybody, both candidates and voters, that the Comelec is serious in its campaign against vote buying and abuse of state resources," said Elnas. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)