Julia Christine Botin

Comelec orders Laoag mayoral bet Michael Keon to explain alleged vote-buying

Article (news)

Johnson Manabat

Randy Menor

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) ordered Laoag City, Ilocos Norte mayoral candidate Michael Marcos Keon to explain allegations of vote-buying.In a two-page show cause order (SCO) signed by Atty. Teopisto Elnas Jr., vice-chairperson of CKB, it said the SCO was in reference to a post on social media dated May 8, 2025 where an alleged supporter of Keon was arrested in Bgy. 48-A Cabugaan, Laoag City.According to CKB, it received a report alleging that Keon himself gave money to people.The alleged complainant was quoted saying: &quot;I would like to report a vote-buying activity here in laoag city where the mayor as of now michael keon give money to people for their votes he go to the house of a coordinator and gives money himself to the people they even restrict the use of a cellphone so that there will be no evidence of what they are doing.&quot;The committee believes this could be considered as a possible vote-buying, which is an election offense under the Omnibus Election Code. Keon was given 3 days to explain his side. Meanwhile, Keon on Friday said he has yet to receive a copy of the show cause order.&quot;We have not yet officially received the show cause order so because of that, we are not in liberty to officially respond on it. But I&#x27;m aware of the show cause order because I.seen it circulating on line,&quot; he said.Keon also complained about the alleged harassment he and his camp has been receiving.Among his complaints is the removal of his police security and him allegedly being shadowed by police during his campaign sorties.Keon is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but the President is allegedly supporting his political rival.Keon also questioned the reported curfew to be enforced beginning this Friday until the eve of the elections.&quot;We don&#x27;t see any reason to have a 3 day curfew. In the last 2022 election, there is only one night curfew. We don&quot;t see the reason why that there should be a 3 day curfew. It will take or start on Friday and weekend and it will not be contested because it is done in weekend,&quot; he said.

Keon is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but the President is allegedly supporting his political rival.

Keon is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but the President is allegedly supporting his political rival.