Comelec orders Batangas guv bet Ilagan to explain remarks vs Vilma Santos

The Commission on Elections on Monday issued a show cause order against Mataasnakahoy, Batangas Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan over his remarks against rival former Batangas representative Vilma Santos-Recto during a campaign rally. 

In a social media video, Ilagan—who is running for Batangas governor against Santos— told his audience he is not afraid of the actress-turned-politician as she is already "laos" or no longer famous.

“Kung ang aking kalaban ay si Kathryn Bernardo, pero ang aking kalaban ay isang Vilma Santos lang na laos na, ha! Hindi ako takot!” said Ilagan.

(If I am against Kathryn Bernardo, yes, but my opponent is Vilma Santos who is no longer popular. I am not afraid.)

“Kay Andrea Brillantes ay takot ako, pero Vilma Santos, marami naman sa mga fans niya ay namamahinga na rin. Ang iba naman ay siyempre nasa edad ‘yan.  At saka sasabihin ko sa inyo, iba ang governor na nahihipo, naiimbitahan, napupuntahan sa bahay, nagpapapirma at ako ang governor na 24 hours ang serbisyo,” he said. 

(If she’s Andrea Brillantes then I will be worried but many of Vilma Santos’ fans have already retired because they are already of age. And let me tell you, it’s different when a governor is approachable,  can be invited or you can go to his home, asked for autographs and I am a governor who could provide service for 24 hours.)

According to the Comelec, the gubernatorial bet’s remarks may be considered a violation of their anti-discrimination resolution. The poll body asked Ilagan to respond why he should not be filed with an election offense or disqualification petition over his statement. 

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“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to show cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt hereof and to explain why a complaint for election offense and / or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” the poll body said. 

“Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case against you,” it added. 

Comelec Resolution No. 1116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines provides that labeling groups and individuals as terrorists, dissenters, and criminals without evidence is considered an election offense in the 2025 midterm national and local polls.

The resolution also covers acts of bullying and discrimination involving gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others.

Earlier, the Comelec issued SCOs against Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and lawyer Christian Sia over their remarks at their respective campaign rallies for Eleksyon 2025.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.