The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday issued a show-cause order (SCO) against Virgilio Bote, a Nueva Ecija gubernational bet for making alleged “discriminatory remarks” during a campaign rally.
Bote made remarks against his opponent who was confined for being sick during a sortie.
“Nasa ospital na po ang kalaban namin. Di ko po pinabaril. May sakit po na, ano yun? Ano yung sakit? Bypass kidney stage five cancer. Cancer na rin! Kaya di na po makapangampanya,” Bote said.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) stated that the remarks amounted to public ridicule of persons with disabilities (PWDs), violating Resolution No. 1116 — the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines — which also prohibits discrimination against women and gender-based harassment.
The resolution also prohibits bullying and discriminatory acts based on gender, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, and other similar grounds.
Bote is running against Oyie Umali in the Nueva Ecija gubernatorial race.
Comelec has given Bote three days to respond to the Show Cause Order (SCO).
“Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case against you,” Comelec said.
