Comelec warns candidates against health status discrimination

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded candidates against discriminating against fellow candidates based on their health status.

This follows a show-cause order issued against Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote for allegedly mocking a mayoral candidate's illness during a campaign event.

Bote allegedly stated that his rival was in the hospital with stage five kidney failure and cancer, suggesting this prevented them from campaigning.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia reiterated that discriminating against anyone because of a health condition is strictly prohibited, lamenting that candidates should not degrade others on stage if they are already suffering from an illness like cancer.

The poll body cited its Anti-Discrimination Resolution and the Safe Spaces policy, noting that such statements could violate campaigning guidelines against bullying and public ridicule, especially concerning persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Bote has been given three days to respond to the order, which is the fifth of its kind issued by Comelec for alleged discriminatory remarks.