The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will issue a show-cause order (SCO) to senatorial candidate Camille Villar following a viral video showing her at an event in Cavite where money was allegedly raffled off to the crowd.
Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr., who heads the anti-vote buying task force “Kontra Bigay,” said the order stemmed from an anonymous complaint. The complaint included a Facebook video where Villar was seen on stage during a gathering in Imus, Cavite, while local candidates allegedly distributed cash prizes.
“This is just a show-cause order to clarify and give Camille Villar an opportunity to explain these issues,” said Elnas in a press briefing. “We will wait for the reply, or the answer, or the comment of Camille Villar on this within three days upon receipt.”
Elnas clarified that the poll body is still determining whether the event happened during the official campaign period for national candidates, which started on February 11. The video in question was posted on February 16, though Villar claims the event took place earlier.
“If the event occurred within the campaign period, and there was distribution of money, it could be considered as vote-buying,” Elnas added. “Tinitingnan natin na baka may instance na masasakop sa vote-buying kasi may nag-aabot ng pera, may tumatanggap ng pera sa okasyon.”
In response, Villar released a statement denying any wrongdoing. “I vehemently deny any allegation or insinuation of vote buying or commission of any election offense for that matter,” she said. “I am confident that the Comelec will clear my name of these wrongful allegations upon hearing my side on the matter.”
She maintained that the event occurred on February 9, two days before the official start of the campaign season for national candidates.
