Comelec orders Urdaneta mayor, vice mayor to explain ‘kissing auction’

Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. INQUIRER FILES

BAGUIO CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered reelectionists Urdaneta City Mayoral Rammy Parayno and vice mayor Jimmy Parayno to explain their role in a controversial “kissing auction” during a campaign rally that may violate election rules.

In a Show Cause Order dated May 8, Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) directed the candidates to respond within three days or face possible disqualification.

“This has reference to a ‘kissing auction’ you allegedly conducted… wherein an elderly woman was called to the stage and officials held a bidding war for her kiss,” the order stated, citing that the bidding started at P1,000 and reached P5,000 during the April 24 event in Barangay Nancamaliran West, Urdaneta City.

Comelec said the act may violate Resolution No. 1116, which outlines anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines for the May 12 polls. The resolution upholds protections for vulnerable sectors against exploitation, harassment, and degrading acts.

Gabriela, a national women’s alliance, earlier condemned the event as exploitative and demeaning. “This is not charity or generosity — it is exploitation,” said Secretary-General Clarice Palce. “Ang tunay na pagtulong ay walang kapalit na kahihiyan.”

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Gabriela urged Comelec to take action and called on voters to reject candidates who demean women and instead support those who uphold human dignity.