By Bea Rollo
(April 11, 2025) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a show cause order against Silang, Cavite mayoral candidate Atty. Alston Kevin Anarna for alleged violations of campaign conduct rules following remarks made about grandmothers and solo parents during a campaign event.
The order, dated April 10, cited statements Anarna made during a campaign activity on or about March 29, which were deemed potentially violative of COMELEC Resolution No. 11116, also known as the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the upcoming May 2025 elections — which may fall under “gender-based harassment.”
Among the remarks quoted in the order were references to women touching his buttocks and a grandmother allegedly kissing him during a campaign stop.
Anarna also made a statement about providing “free spouses” to solo parents, suggesting a raffle system where winners would be “directly assigned” to him as mayor.
“Kanina ‘di ko na mabilang kung ilan ang kumurot sa puwet ko. Meron pa kanina si lola. Alam niyo, first time na nangyari ‘to sa kampanya. Si lola nilaplap pa ako,” COMELEC quoted Anarna.
“Sino dito ang mga solo parents? Bakit parang dumanmi ang solo parents? Kasi lahat ng solo parents bibigyan natin ng libreng asawa,” he added.
“These statements may constitute gender-based harassment and public ridicule,” the order reads, adding that the remarks were broadcasted via live video posted on Anarna’s official online campaign platform.
COMELEC emphasized that such conduct may be considered an election offense under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9006 and Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code, among other laws.
The resolution specifically prohibits misogynistic, sexist, and lewd comments, whether delivered in person, online, or in print.
Anarna has been given three days from receipt of the notice to respond and explain why no formal complaint or petition for disqualification should be filed against him.
Three other cases of political candidacy violations of the same nature has also surfaced including alleged discrimination against women at gender-based harassment by Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Pasig Congressional candidate Christian Sia’s “siping” joke against single mothers, and Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote’s ill shaming remark on his political rival — all were served show cause orders.
As of press time, Anarna has yet to issue a public statement regarding the order.
(AAD)
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