Show cause order issued against Santiago City mayor, 4 others for alleged vote-buying

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order against four candidates in Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Santiago City for alleged vote-buying violations.

Named in the order are Santiago City Mayor Sheena Tan-Dy, 4th District Rep. Joseph Tan, Santiago City Councilor Sherman Miguel, Santiago City council bet Anton Abaya, and Villaverde town council candidate Jerry Jose of Nueva Vizcaya. Tan-Dy, Tan, and Miguel are seeking re-election in the May polls.

Tan-Dy and her uncle, Representative Tan, were accused of vote-buying and distributing money during their campaign while Miguel was accused of vote-buying through the distribution of 20 bottles of sports drinks to villagers. Jose was also accused of vote-buying.

The Comelec directed the four to respond within three days from receipt of the order and explain why no election offense or disqualification case should be filed against them. Failure to respond will be deemed a waiver of their right to be heard and could lead to the filing of appropriate cases, the election body said.

In a text message to the Inquirer on Saturday, April 26, Tan-Dy said she had not yet received a copy of the order.

“I have not received any show cause order nor do I have a copy of the complaint [or] allegations,” she said.

Representative Tan, Miguel, and Jose have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, in Cagayan province, gubernatorial candidate Dr. Zarah Rose De Guzman-Lara has also been accused of vote-buying and misuse of state resources. She has yet to issue a statement.

READ: 74 show cause orders issued for alleged vote-buying, abuse of resources