Nueva Ecija: Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote is the latest aspirant to be called out by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over his alleged discriminatory remarks against a political rival in a recent campaign sortie. Bote allegedly made fun of General Tinio Mayor Isidro Pajarillaga’s health condition, whom he said is undergoing treatment for a serious illness.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bote’s comments during an April 3 campaign event have sparked controversy, prompting Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force SAFE) to issue a show cause order. The order directs Bote to explain why he should not be charged with an election offense or face disqualification due to his statements.
“In our view, the foregoing utterances and/or acts constitute possible violations of Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaign Guidelines for the purposes of the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections and BARMM Parliamentary Elections, specifically Section 3,” stated Comelec Task Force SAFE director Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada in an order dated April 9 and made public Thursday.
Section 3 of Comelec Resolution 11116 addresses acts of bullying based on HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, and other discriminatory actions during an election period. Violators may face up to six years of imprisonment.
Bote has been instructed to submit his response via email to [email protected]. The order warns that failure to comply will be seen as a waiver of his right to be heard, potentially leading to the filing of a case against him.
This incident follows previous show cause orders issued by Comelec to other local candidates for inappropriate remarks during their campaigns. Notable among them are Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan, and Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Peter Gonzaga.
In response to such incidents, the Comelec en banc has approved Supplemental Resolution 11127 on April 8, classifying the use of foul language in campaign activities as an election offense.
