Comelec Disqualifies Quezon Candidate for Vote-Buying
COMELEC – The Commission on Elections 1st Division has disqualified Matt Erwin Florido, the congressional candidate for Quezon Province’s 3rd District, over alleged vote-buying. The decision came after a petition was filed by residents claiming that, on April 5, they were invited by Florido’s representative to a gathering where ₱1,000 in cash was allegedly distributed. They also claimed that Florido openly solicited votes during the event.
Florido, who is currently the mayor of General Luna, is the first candidate to be disqualified at the division level of Comelec due to vote-buying in connection with the 2025 elections. This decision marks a significant move by the electoral body in its effort to uphold fair and honest elections.
Following the ruling, Florido announced that he would appeal the decision. In a Facebook post dated April 30, he stated, “Patuloy ang kanilang panggigipit at paggamit ng kapangyarihan. TULOY ANG LABAN. KAILANMAN, HINDI MAGTATAGUMPAY ANG KASINUNGALINGAN. Walang bibitaw. Malapit na ang ating tagumpay!”
Previously, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), through its Task Force SAFE, filed a petition to disqualify Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia. This action was taken after Unabia made a controversial statement during a campaign rally on April 3. The governor claimed that the provincial nursing scholarship program was only for “beautiful women” and that “ugly nurses” would worsen male patients’ conditions. His remarks were widely criticized for being sexist and discriminatory, particularly against women and the nursing profession.
Unabia’s comment, made in a mix of Bisaya and Filipino, triggered public backlash, with many finding it offensive. Comelec’s petition argues that such statements violate ethical standards for public officials, who are expected to promote inclusivity and respect.
Related Post: Comelec Seeks to Disqualify MisOr Gov. Peter Unabia Over ‘Nurse Joke’