A local official in Negros Oriental has come under fire after a viral video showed him throwing P500 bills to a crowd of people. The Commission on Elections (Comelec), however, said no election law was violated as the individual was not yet officially a candidate under current regulations.

In a radio interview on Saturday, Comelec chairman George Garcia explained that while the aspirant in the May 2025 elections has been identified, he cannot be punished under election laws because the campaign period has not yet started.

The Peñera Doctrine, a Supreme Court ruling, states that an aspirant is only considered a candidate once the campaign period begins. For local elective posts, this period starts on 28 March.

“He was throwing 500-peso bills to the people. The problem is if he did it before 28 March, he hasn’t violated any law because he is not covered by the election law. He may be an aspirant, but he is not yet a candidate,” Garcia explained.

He cited Section 13 of Republic Act 9369 which states: “Any person who files his certificate of candidacy within this period shall only be considered a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy. Provided that unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall affect only upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period.”

However, Garcia noted that if the official currently holds a government position, he may be held accountable under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or ethical standards for government officials and employees.

At present, Comelec has no jurisdiction over the incident. Garcia emphasized that other agencies, such as the Office of the Ombudsman or the Department of the Interior and Local Government, have the authority to investigate. Additionally, any concerned citizen from the area can file a complaint.

Garcia encouraged the public to remain vigilant and actively report such activities, as consistent documentation could drive legislative reforms that would strengthen election integrity, close legal loopholes, and ensure greater accountability in the electoral process.