COMELEC CKB issues SCOs against Gov Hernandez, Rep Mariano Hernandez over vote-buying, misuse of funds

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) issued show cause orders (SCOs) against Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez and his wife, 2nd District Rep. Ruth Mariano Hernandez, for alleged vote-buying and abuse of state resources.

According to the CKB, the couple allegedly instructed individuals to receive P2,000 in exchange for presenting health cards and yellow papers at a specific office on various dates last month, with Congresswoman Ruth also delivering campaign speeches during these distributions.

The Hernandez couple was given three days from receipt of the order to explain their side, as per an SCO signed by CKB head Atty. Teopisto Elnas Jr. on May 5.

Santa Rosa Representative Dan Fernandez has also received a show cause order for allegedly using public funds during the campaign period to distribute rice before the spending ban commenced.

Both candidates have denied the allegations, with Fernandez insisting that no distribution event took place on April 14 and Hernandez stating her opponents are engaging in dirty tactics to damage her reputation.