But what comes next after the issuance of show cause orders? They must respond within a specified time, presenting evidence, arguments, or justifications. After the responses, the source or authority will decide whether to proceed with disqualification or call for further investigation.
Local candidates issued with a show cause order
Earlier this week, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued show cause orders to several local candidates over potential vote-buying and abuse of state resources.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said that they have issued 74 show cause orders as of now.
Among the recipients of SCOs are Marikina City mayoral candidate Stella Quimbo and Manila City mayoral candidates Isko Moreno, Honey Lacuna, and Sam Verzosa. The two main alleged reasons for the offenses of the recipients are vote-buying and abuse of state resources.
What is a show cause order?
SCO is a legal directive issued by a court, or in this case, the Comelec, that requires an individual or candidate to explain why they should not face a penalty.
It is often issued whenever there is an alleged violation of a law, court orders, non-compliance with rules and proceedings.
After receiving an SCO, the people involved must respond within the specific time frame and present valid and reasonable claims to avoid the action.
Action Explained
In February 2025, Comelec launched the Committee on 'Kontra Bigay' to enforce stricter measures against vote-buying, vote-selling, and abuse of state resources.
Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. said they “will not hesitate to disqualify, penalize, and hold accountable any candidate in power who dares abuse the elections.”
Under Section 261-262 of the Omnibus Election Code, vote-buying and vote-selling, and use of government resources are considered election offenses.
Once a candidate is found guilty of any of the election offenses, they can face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years or disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right to vote.
On the other hand, a party found guilty shall be sentenced to pay a fine of no less P10,000.
