Mayor Erwin Pastrana denies abuse of state resources after COMELEC issues Show Cause Order

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Erwin "Ninong" Pastrana (Ninong Erwin Pastrana) MAUBAN, Quezon – A COMELEC memorandum, dated Apr...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Mayor Erwin "Ninong" Pastrana (Ninong Erwin Pastrana)

MAUBAN, Quezon – A COMELEC memorandum, dated April 25, 2025, has listed Mauban Mayor Erwin "Ninong" Pastrana among candidates slated to receive a Show Cause Order, prompting a swift denial from the local government regarding allegations of abuse of state resources. The directive from the Commission on Elections cites alleged "ASR" violations related to the upcoming May 12, 2025 polls.

This order compels Mayor Pastrana to provide a detailed explanation to the Commission regarding the alleged misuse of government resources for campaign-related purposes. The inclusion of his name on the official COMELEC document indicates sufficient basis for investigation.

In a statement released on their Facebook page, the Mauban local government maintained that their ongoing community initiatives are legitimate, pre-existing programs conducted in accordance with regulations and not intended for campaign purposes. They clarified that the Show Cause Order stems from misinterpretations of their routine community outreach, which falls under programs that received exemptions prior to the election period.

"The activities that have been flagged are part of our established community programs, designed to provide essential services to our residents," the Facebook statement read. "These programs have been operating under proper exemptions, ensuring that we continue to serve our constituents effectively without violating election laws."





Mauban local government also addressed the nature of Show Cause Orders, acknowledging that COMELEC issues these directives based on complaints that can originate from any individual, including anonymous sources. They stressed the importance of transparently addressing the allegations.

"We understand that COMELEC is obligated to investigate all complaints, even those filed anonymously," the statement added. "However, we are confident that we can provide the necessary documentation to demonstrate the legitimacy of our programs and our compliance with election regulations."

Full cooperation with COMELEC is affirmed, and all required evidence will be submitted to clarify the situation. Officials reiterated their dedication to serving the people of Mauban and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

The said memorandum lists a total of nineteen individuals facing Show Cause Orders for various alleged election offenses. In addition to Mayor Pastrana, the list also includes Romulo Avila, a candidate for Vice Mayor from Burdeos, Quezon, who is facing allegations of both Vote-Buying and Abuse of State Resources (ASR).

COMELEC officials have not yet released specific details of the complaints or the programs in question; the public awaits the responses of the involved candidates to these orders. The situation remains under review, and further updates are expected from COMELEC Quezon as the investigation progresses.