Comelec issues show-cause order against Virgilio Bote for discriminatory remarks

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a show-cause order against Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote for allegedly making discriminatory remarks about his opponent's illness during a campaign rally.

Bote referred to his opponent Oyie Umali, who is currently ill and unable to campaign due to health issues, as being at a 'disadvantage' because of her medical condition.

Comelec cited Resolution No. 1116 that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, among other protected groups like women and ethnicities.

The poll body's Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) issued the show-cause order as the sixth overall order this election season.

Bote has three days to respond to the show-cause order or face potential legal consequences for non-compliance.