More than 200 show cause orders (SCOs) have been issued by the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) Committee on Kontra Bigay against candidates allegedly involved in vote-buying.

As of 28 April, a total of 213 SCOs have been released by the committee. Of this figure, 130 were related to alleged vote-buying and vote-selling.

Meanwhile, 67 were for abuse of state resources (ASR), and 16 were for other complaints.

According to Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., chairperson of the Committee on Kontra Bigay, the regions with the most number of alleged vote-buying incidents are Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.

Maceda also admitted that the poll body is "overwhelmed" with the numerous SCOs it needs to issue for different possible violations by candidates.

"The major vote-buying [complaints] is still cash assistance, that's a total of 73. Giving of goods or anything of value, that still the principal means by which vote-buying is carried out," Maceda told reporters.

"As to abuse of state resources allegations, number one among the complaints is still the misuse of the ayuda (aid). The next is the use of posters in state-owned facilities as well as the use of state-owned vehicles and other properties and equipment," he added.

Maceda said the Comelec is also expected to issue eight more SCOs anytime.

The Comelec official said the giving out of SCOs is meant to level the playing field.

"That's the essence of democracy. When there's vote-buying, there's already unequal chances for candidates," he added.