Show Cause Order Issued to Camille Villar Over Alleged Election Violation
VOTE BUYING? – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to issue a show cause order (SCO) to senatorial aspirant Camille Villar following allegations of her presence at a cash raffle event in Imus, Cavite.
This development follows an anonymous complaint submitted to the Committee on Kontra Bigay, led by Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr. The complaint included a Facebook video allegedly showing Villar onstage while cash prizes were being distributed to attendees.
The video was uploaded on February 16, but the Comelec is still verifying whether the event occurred during the official campaign period for national candidates, which began on February 11 and will end on May 10, according to Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which enforces the Fair Elections Act (RA 9006).
Elnas clarified that the issuance of the SCO is meant to allow Villar to explain her side. She will be required to submit a written explanation within three days of receiving the notice. This marks the first instance in the 2025 elections where a national candidate has been formally asked to respond to allegations potentially related to vote-buying.
If it is proven that the raffle event took place during the campaign period and involved the distribution of money in exchange for political support, it could be considered a violation of election laws. Elnas emphasized that the Comelec is merely initiating a process to clarify the situation and provide Villar with a fair chance to respond.
“Tinitingnan natin na baka may instance na masasakop sa vote-buying kasi may nag-aabot ng pera, may tumatanggap ng pera sa okasyon,” Elnas said. “Ito ay show-cause order lang para bigyan ing linaw, bigyan ng pagkakataon si Camille Villar na magpaliwanag, tungkol sa mga isyu,” he added.
As of this writing, Villar’s camp has not yet issued any comment regarding the controversy.
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