Comelec orders Bohol gubernatorial bet to explain remarks vs. rival’s wife, child

Metro Manila, Philippines - A candidate for Bohol governor risks disqualification for allegedly making inappropriate remarks about the family of his political opponent.

The Commission on Elections Task Force SAFE (Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections) on Tuesday, April 29, issued a show cause order to Dan Neri Lim, a lawyer challenging re-electionist Governor Aris Aumentado.

The Comelec gave Lim three days to explain why he should not be charged with an election offense or face disqualification, following a complaint filed by Aumentado’s wife, Bohol 2nd District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado.

The complaint stemmed from comments of Lim in his March radio program Barog Bohol. According to Comelec’s translation, Lim made references to Rep. Aumentado’s undergarments:

“[W]hat is the value of Vanvan's panty? If everything she owns is expensive then… Ay, that's it, her bra is from Victoria's Secret. That's really expensive! It's definitely branded! That's why I just said 'panty' so that it would register in people's minds,” Lim was quoted as saying in Bisaya.

Lim then made remarks aimed at Gov. Aumentado, questioning the paternity of one of his children:

“Your daughter should undergo a DNA test, If you really are the real father of that child,” he said, adding that the Aumentado couple’s three children do not resemble each other.

Comelec’s Task Force SAFE flagged the statements as possible violations of the poll body’s Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, particularly on grounds of child abuse and gender-based harassment.

Lim is the latest in a growing list of candidates to receive a show cause order from the task force. Two previous cases - those of Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia - have resulted in formal disqualification petitions.