Cebu Province Fourth District Representative Janice Salimbangon and 12 other local candidates are now facing a disqualification case before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for allegedly using government-funded social welfare programs for political campaigning.

Complainants Arl Dewey Maluya, Mary Ann Olaver, and Ruth Surgaol accused the candidates of violating the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits any form of vote-buying.

The case was filed with the Law Department of Comelec on 25 February 2025.

The complainants said Salimbangon and 12 others used the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program on 31 January 2025 and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program on 7 and 10 February to gain political support.

They claimed that application forms for these aid programs were distributed at one of the candidates' houses.

They also alleged that Salimbangon handed out umbrellas with the House of Representatives logo and calendars featuring her image during the events.

Furthermore, they claimed that the TUPAD program was allegedly conducted without representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The complainants are seeking a probable cause ruling for an election offense and the disqualification of the accused candidates.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, vote-buying is a criminal offense that carries severe penalties, including disqualification from holding public office.

Daily Tribune tried to reach out to Salimbangon, but there was no response as of this writing.

The 12 other candidates named in the case are Nelson Mondigo and Jenny Armamento, who are running for board member positions; Daanbantayan mayoral candidate Atty. Gilbert Arrabis; his vice mayoral candidate Jose De Leon; and their councilor slate Emmanuel Benatiro, Chona De Leon, Rene Pepito Gullem, Gaspar Magdadaro, Ma. Bregidorietta Tancawan, Leandro Tohay, Francis Eric Villarin, and Antolin Villegas.

Arrabis dismissed the allegations regarding the AICS distribution as a blatant lie.

"I was never involved in any AICS distribution, as the function/mandate belongs to the DSWD," he said.

Arrabis insisted that the filing of the disqualification case against him is a desperate move and a dirty political tactic to discredit his candidacy.

Salimbangon is seeking a third term in the House of Representatives and is being challenged by Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura.

The Fourth District of North Cebu consists of Bogo City and the municipalities of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, and Tabuelan. It also includes Bantayan Island, which comprises the municipalities of Sta. Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.