The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday called for "humane elections" after a vice mayoral candidate in Taytay, Rizal made the rounds on social media for making fun of stray dogs.
In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said he saw the video of the candidate and is currently studying if it still falls under its jurisdiction.
"Kita niyo naman pati pagpoprotekta sa hayop, papasukin na ata ng Komisyon para lang sabihin na this is a very humane elections (As you can see, we are even protecting the welfare of the animals)," Garcia told reporters.
"Hindi lang sa pangtao, kundi para sa hayop. Titingnan po natin yan kasi dapat pag nagkakampanya tayo, fair to all and maayos na karakter at pag-uugali. Hindi porket hayop ay sasaktan o paglalaruan (Because this campaign season is not just for humans, but also for animals. When campaigning, candidates should be in proper character and attitude. Not because there are animals, they would hurt them or use them for entertainment," he added.
Taytay Vice Mayor Pia Cabral recently drew criticism online for a video she posted making fun of dogs and other animals and posting the caption "aso ka lang."
Cabral eventually took down her video and issued an apology, saying she did not hurt the animals or belittle them.
She added that she has her pet dogs and that she considers them as part of the family.