Comelec orders Masbate bets to explain poll alert misuse

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered four political candidates in Masbate to explain why they should not face charges for allegedly using the emergency alert system for their campaign.

Gubernatorial candidate Ricardo Kho, vice gubernatorial candidate Fernando Talisic, Congressional 2nd District candidate Elisa Kho, and city mayoralty candidate Olga Kho received show cause orders from Comelec.

The candidates are accused of sending out messages disguised as emergency alerts on April 3, which contained political advertisements and election propaganda.

These messages reportedly urged recipients to vote for members of the Kho family in the upcoming May 12 National and Local Elections.

Comelec Chair George Garcia stated that the use of such equipment for political campaigns is a violation of the Omnibus Election Code and could also be considered misuse of public resources.

The Comelec noted that the creation and dissemination of fake news during the election period will be considered as misuse of social media and constitutes an election offense.

The candidates face possible disqualification and charges of election offense, and have been given a non-extendible five-day period to respond.