The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a show cause order to Silang, Cavite mayoralty candidate Atty. Alston Kevin Anarna over his recent remarks during a campaign activity, which the commission cited as an act of gender-based harassment.
A video taken during Anarna’s campaign on March 29 captured him saying that an elderly woman kissed him.
"Kanina di ko na mabilang kung ilan ang kumurot sa puwet ko. Meron pa kanina si lola. Alam niyo, first time ko nangyari to sa kampanya. Si lola nilaplap pa ako," said Anarna.
Moreover, he said that he would be giving free 'spouses' to single parents.
"Sino dito ang mga solo parents? Bakit parang dumami ang solo parents? Kasi lahat ng solo parents bibigyan natin ng libreng asawa. Ang gagawin natin lahat ng balong lalake at lahat ng balong babae iraraffle na lang natin 'yan ha. Pasensyahan na lang tayo kung kanino kayo mapupunta kasi pagkabunot ng pangalan niyo, derecho kasal kay Mayor Kevin," he continued.
According to COMELEC, Anarna's statements are in violation of COMELEC Resolution No. 11116, or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the May 12 elections.
Under Section 3 of the resolution, gender-based harassment is considered an election offense. It refers to any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person, regardless of the motive.
Anarna is expected to respond and explain why a complaint for an election offense or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against him.
