Comelec issues SCO vs Nueva Ecija guv bet for 'discriminatory remarks'

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday issued a show-cause order (SCO) against Nueva Ecija gubernatorial bet Virgilio Bote for his supposed "discriminatory remarks" during a campaign rally. 

This comes after Bote talked about his opponent's illness during a campaign sortie.

“Nasa ospital na po ang kalaban namin. Di ko po pinabaril. May sakit po na, ano yun? Ano yung sakit? Bypass kidney stage five cancer. Cancer na rin! Kaya di na po makapangampanya," Bote said.

(Our opponent is at the hospital. I did not have him shot. He has cancer, bypass kidney stage five cancer. That's why he cannot campaign anymore.)

The poll body said this is considered public ridicule against persons with disabilities (PWDs), which violated Comelec Resolution No. 1116, or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, which includes discrimination against women and gender-based harassment.

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

Bote's opponent for Nueva Ecija's gubernatorial race is Oyie Umali.

Comelec gave Bote 3 days to answer the SCO.

“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,” Comelec said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News

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