The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is preparing to issue a show cause order against senatorial aspirant Camille Villar over allegations of her participation in a cash raffle event in Imus, Cavite. The development comes amid growing concerns over potential election law violations during the campaign season.
COMELEC Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr., who heads the poll body’s Anti-Vote Buying Committee (Kontra Bigay), confirmed that the action is based on an anonymous complaint. The complaint included a Facebook video showing Villar on stage with local political figures at an event where cash prizes were raffled off to attendees.
The video, posted on February 16, 2025, raised red flags due to the possible timing of the event. COMELEC is currently investigating whether it occurred during the official campaign period, which, under Resolution No. 11086, runs from February 11 to May 10 for national candidates and from March 28 to May 10 for local candidates.
Elnas emphasized that the committee is thoroughly reviewing the footage and related evidence to determine if Villar’s presence at the event constituted a violation of election laws, particularly those prohibiting vote buying. Philippine election law strictly prohibits any act of giving or promising money or anything of value to influence a voter’s decision.
“If it is proven that the raffle event happened during the campaign period and Villar’s presence can be linked to it, this could be considered indirect vote buying,” Elnas said.
Villar, daughter of Senator Cynthia Villar and real estate magnate Manny Villar, is running under the Nacionalista Party and is among the top names in early senatorial surveys. As of this writing, she has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
A show cause order is a legal notice requiring the individual to respond and explain their actions. Should Villar fail to provide a satisfactory response, COMELEC may escalate the matter and pursue formal charges.
COMELEC reiterated its dedication to upholding fair election practices and reminded all candidates that violations, regardless of stature or influence, will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly. The commission called on the public to continue reporting questionable campaign activities to ensure transparency and integrity in the 2025 elections.