MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday asked Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote to explain why he should not face sanctions over his remarks on the health of his rival.

In a video shared by Comelec, Bote told his constituents in an April 3 campaign event: “Walang katalo-talo ang kalabang mayor ng aking mayor dahil nasa ospital na po ang kalaban namin. Di ko po pinabaril. May sakit po…Bypass kidney stage five cancer. Cancer na rin!”

“Kaya di na po makapangampanya. Kaya po kami ay nakaluwag,”  the former General Tinio town mayor added.  

A 2-page show cause order signed by Comelec Task Force SAFE head Sonia Wee-Lozada noted that Bote's statement could have violated campaigning guidelines.

It noted that a Comelec resolution classified bullying, labeling, and public ridicule among violations of an anti-discrimination ordinance.

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Comelec gave Bote 3 days to explain why he should not be held liable for his remarks. Failure to respond will be taken as a waiver of his right to be heard before the filing of an appropriate case against him.

This is the fifth show cause order issued by the poll body. It earlier sought explanations for the alleged discriminatory remarks made by lawyer Christian Sia of Pasig City, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, Mataasnakahoy Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, and Davao de Oro Second District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga. 

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