The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will issue a show cause order (SCO) to senatorial candidate Camille Villar following her reported appearance at a cash raffle event in Imus, Cavite—raising concerns over possible vote-buying.
Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr., who leads the anti-vote-buying “Kontra Bigay” committee, said the SCO was prompted by an anonymous complaint. The complaint included a February 16 Facebook video showing Villar on stage with local candidates as money was allegedly raffled to attendees.
The poll body is currently investigating whether the event happened during the official campaign period, which began February 11 for national candidates and March 28 for local ones, per Comelec Resolution No. 11086.
If proven to have occurred within the campaign period, the event could be considered vote-buying under the Fair Elections Act. Villar has been given three days to respond to the order and clarify her involvement.
“This is not an immediate penalty—it’s a chance for Villar to explain her side,” Elnas Jr. clarified.
This marks the first show cause order issued to a national candidate for Eleksyon 2025. Separate SCOs are also expected to be released against two local candidates, including a mayoral hopeful.
Comelec has also issued SCOs to other candidates for violating anti-discrimination policies during the campaign season.