Bustos: The Commission on Elections Regional Office 3 (Comelec-Central Luzon) has issued a show cause order against Bustos, Bulacan vice mayoral candidate Martin Angeles, following a reported incident of vote-buying at his campaign headquarters in Barangay Malamig.

According to Philippines News Agency, the order, signed by Regional election lawyer Numer Lobo, directs Angeles to submit a written explanation within three non-extendable days from receipt of the directive on why he should not be disqualified. The issuance stemmed from complaints and preliminary evidence indicating Angeles’ alleged direct involvement in distributing cash to voters in exchange for their support.

As of this report, Angeles has not issued a public response. He is running against incumbent councilor Ni±a Perez. In a related development, Angeles posted a video of alleged harassment during his camp’s meeting. He claimed that individuals posing as Comelec officers and members of the media wanted to disrupt the gathering.

Vote-buying is classified as a grave election offense under Section 261(a) of the Omnibus Election Code. It is punishable with disqualification from holding public office, perpetual disqualification from voting, and imprisonment of up to six years. The non-extendable nature of the deadline highlights the urgency of the case.

Angeles’ case adds to a growing number of similar incidents addressed by the poll body in recent years. In 2019, the Comelec disqualified local candidates in Pampanga and Cebu for vote-buying involving direct cash payments and material incentives. In 2022, a Nueva Ecija mayoral aspirant was removed from the race after being caught on video engaging in mass payout operations.

Election watchdogs and civil society groups have expressed support for the regional office’s action and called for sustained efforts to uphold clean elections, particularly in vote-rich provinces like Bulacan. The Comelec has encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report violations through official complaint channels, especially under the Task Force “Kontra Bigay” initiative.