Comelec orders mayoral candidates in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Marikina, and Laguna to explain vote buying and ASR allegations

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered mayoral candidates in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Marikina, and Laguna, as well as 16 more candidates and one party-list group, to explain alleged involvement in vote buying and abuse of state resources (ASR).

Former Manila mayor Isko Moreno is accused of distributing P3,000 each to public school teachers.

Manila candidate Sam Verzosa allegedly handed out goods marked with his initials, 'SV.'

Reelectionist Caloocan Mayor Dale 'Along' Malapitan faces allegations of vote buying and misuse of government resources after distributing P3,225 at the Galino Covered Court.

Quezon City 3rd District councilor bet Julian Edward Emerson Coseteng was accused of offering P500 GCash prizes, an act presumed to be vote buying.

Malapitan defended the cash aid distribution, stating it is part of the city's 'Agapay sa Manggagawa' program, which he claims received Comelec exemption on February 7, 2025.

Stella Quimbo, Marikina 2nd district Representative seeking mayoral post in Marikina City, and her husband Romero Quimbo, who is seeking to return to the House of Representatives, are accused of vote buying and ASR.

Re-electionist Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan is also being asked to explain allegations of vote buying and ASR.

Sta. Rosa, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, running for Laguna's gubernatorial race, is being asked to explain allegations of vote buying and ASR.

Other candidates issued show cause orders include Denver Chua, Marvin Venus, Ruben Talon, Butch Suspeñe, Zake Derequito, Zarah Rose Lara, and Allan Martine de Leon, as well as 16 more candidates and one party-list group.