6 Senate bets, over 30 party-lists ordered to explain illegal campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued show cause orders (SCOs) against six senatorial candidates and over 30 party-list groups for allegedly violating notices to remove illegal campaign materials for Eleksyon 2025. 

“May anim na kandidato para pagka-senador at mahigit 34 na party-list groups ang napadalhan ng show cause orders,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco told PTV’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” Wednesday.

(There are six senatorial bets and more than 34 party-list groups issued with SCO.)

According to Laudiangco, the poll body is awaiting the candidates’ response as to why they should not be charged with an election offense. This may also be a ground for disqualification, he said.

“Hinihintay po namin ang kanilang pagtugon sa aming notice kung bakit una, hindi dapat kasuhan ng paglabag ng Fair Elections Act,” he said. 

(We are awaiting their response as to why they should not be charged with an election offense.)

“Ang mabigat po dito, maaaring manganak pa ng kasong disqualification. Tinitingnan pa namin ang mga nagsumite na. Tinitingnan namin ang kanilang dahilan. At kung meron mang basehan — whether kakasuhan o hindi kakasuhan, ito ay dedesisyunan ng Komisyon,” he added. 

(We may also file disqualification cases against them. For now, we’re reviewing the response of those who submitted and whether there is a basis to file a case or not, the Comelec will decided on that.)

The Comelec previously said it will issue notices to candidates directing them to remove unlawful campaign materials as well as election campaign paraphernalia mounted outside the designated areas within three days as part of "Oplan Baklas”. 

Failure to comply may result to the filing of election offense, which may lead to disqualification. 

Earlier, the poll body reported that five senatorial candidates violated the guidelines for election campaign materials for Eleksyon 2025 including improper sizing. It likewise said all 66 senatorial bets were issued with the aforementioned notices in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The campaign period for national candidates started on February 11 while candidates for House of Representatives and other local posts can only start campaigning on March 28. The midterm elections will be on May 12, 2025. —AOL, GMA Integrated News

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