The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through its Task Force Kontra Bigay, has ordered five candidates in the May 12 elections to explain why they should not be slapped with vote-buying charges in connection with their respective campaign activities allegedly involving the distribution of gifts and financial assistance.

The show cause orders (SCOs) were issued separately against a candidate for mayor and vice mayor in Oriental Mindoro, two congressional candidates in Nueva Ecija and Palawan, and a candidate for a national post.

The two local candidates in Oriental Mindoro were issued SCOs in connection with evidence filed before the committee dated April 7, 2025, showing them facilitating the distribution of PHP2,000 to each recipient under the pretense of a work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development at a covered court.

The candidate from Nueva Ecija was ordered to explain the video on his social media account showing him asking the support of the people with a promise of giving them money, while the candidate in Palawan was ordered to explain his distribution of free movie tickets.

Meanwhile, the national candidate was ordered to explain her participation in an event in Imus, Cavite on Feb. 16, 2025 amid photographs showing her “delivering a speech and engaging with participants, including instances where individuals were shown visibly holding cash while embracing you.”

The five candidates were directed to submit their respective answers via courier or electronic mail.

“You are hereby warned that failure on your part to comply with the SHOW CAUSE ORDER shall be considered as waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case/s against you,” the Comelec said. (PNA)