The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered Davao de Oro 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga to explain the unwarranted sexual remarks he made during one of his campaign activities in the province.
Gonzaga, who is running as a provincial governor in the province of Davao de Oro, was heard making lewd sexual comments and suggestions in three separate events during the election period.
The Comelec noted that these utterances were also posted on Facebook.
“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to show cause in writing, within a non-extendable period of three days from receipt hereof, and to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, head of the Comelec’s Task Force SAFE said in a letter to the House lawmaker.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, any acts of bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs), gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule and or vilification of PWDs, violation of an anti-discrimination ordinance and or violation of rights to religious, cultural sites and ceremonies are strictly prohibited.
The Comelec also reminded the candidate that Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women and Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act strictly provides stringent penalties against discrimination against women.
“Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed as a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of appropriate case against you,” the Comelec official said.