Comelec orders Bote to explain discriminatory remarks about opponent's health

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote to explain his remarks about the health of a mayoral opponent, which could be a violation of campaigning guidelines.

During an April 3 campaign event, Bote made discriminatory comments suggesting that General Tinio Mayor Isidro Pajarillaga is in the hospital with stage five kidney cancer and cannot campaign, implying an unfair advantage for himself.

A two-page show cause order signed by Comelec Task Force SAFE head Sonia Wee-Lozada notes that Bote's statement could violate anti-discrimination ordinances which classify public ridicule as a violation under Comelec Resolution No. 11116.

Comelec gave Bote three days to respond or risk waiving his right to be heard before a case is filed against him.

Bote was directed to file his answer via e-mail at [email protected], and failure to comply could result in the filing of an appropriate case against him.

This is the fifth show cause order issued by Comelec this election season, following similar cases involving other candidates.