Ahead of the midterm elections on May 12, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been on a roll with calling out candidates for alleged election violations and issuing them with show-cause orders. In March and early April, they addressed cases of candidates making discriminatory remarks, a violation of their anti-discrimination policy. Lately, they have also been cracking down on candidates accused of vote-buying and abuse of state resources (ASR).
On Friday, April 25, the Comelec said it had issued 74 show-cause orders for vote-buying and ASR so far, with many involving candidates for local elections.
The Comelec defines vote-buying as giving or promising anything of value, money, employment, a grant, or a franchise in exchange for voting for or against a candidate or political party. ASR is the use of public funds, money deposited in trust, equipment, or facilities owned or controlled by the government for an election campaign.
When issued a show-cause order, candidates are given three days to respond. The committee may also elevate the complaint to a case. According to the Omnibus Election Code, candidates found guilty may face one to six years in prison and disqualification from holding office.
Of the 74 complaints so far, here are the biggest candidates the Comelec recently slapped with show-cause orders for vote-buying allegations.
Camille Villar
On Tuesday, April 22, Comelec issued Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar to explain allegations of vote-buying during a campaign activity in February 2025. Comelec said they had received a complaint with a video showing Villar onstage as local candidates raffled cash prizes to the public.
In response, the senatorial candidate explained that the event took place on February 9, two days before the campaign period started. “I am confident that the Comelec will clear my name of these wrongful allegations upon hearing my side on the matter,” Villar said. Comelec is still investigating whether the event happened during the campaign period, which began on February 11.
Honey Lacuna
In the latest batch of show-cause orders released by the Comelec on Friday, the poll body revealed that incumbent and re-electionist Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan was also asked to explain vote-buying allegations made against her.
“We will comply with Comelec’s show cause order as soon as we receive a copy, because we believe in due process,” she told reporters on Sunday, April 27. “The Comelec is rightfully and properly giving us the opportunity to respond, to dispute and debunk whatever was put forward. We are ready to disprove and debunk [the allegations].”
Isko Moreno
Lacuna’s rival, former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno-Domagoso, was also issued a show-cause order for vote-buying on Thursday, April 23. According to the Comelec, Moreno faces a complaint for allegedly distributing P3,000 in cash aid to public school teachers, which may constitute vote-buying.
The mayoral candidate has yet to release a public statement addressing these allegations and the show-cause order.
Stella and Miro Quimbo
Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo and her husband, former Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” Quimbo, were also issued show-cause orders on Friday. In a joint statement released on Friday, the Quimbos emphasized that the show-cause order does not equate to a case.
“Hanggang ngayon, wala pa kaming natatanggap na opisyal na kopya ng reklamo,” they said. “Pero nais namin linawin na handa kaming sagutin at harapin ito dahil malinis ang aming konsensiya.” They added that the votes of Marikenyos — the demonym for citizens of Marikina — are sacred and cannot be bought.
Stella Quimbo is running for Marikina mayor while Miro Quimbo is running to represent the city’s second district in Congress.
