The camp of Pasig City mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya on Monday denied allegations made by reelectionist Mayor Vico Sotto, who accused Discaya of dishonesty regarding the securing of a permit for her team’s kick-off rally on 28 March.

Discaya’s team canceled the event and sought an alternative venue after concerns over potential heavy traffic in the area.

In a press conference, Team Kaya This assistant campaign manager Arnold Argaño clarified that the original permit request was made on 24 February, through retired Major Rodrigo de Dios of the Traffic and Parking Management Office for a rally at Plaza Rizal.

Shortly after, the city administration contacted Argaño, stating that additional requirements, such as a barangay permit and a traffic rerouting plan, needed to be completed.

However, when the requirements were submitted, De Dios suggested relocating the rally to Caruncho Avenue to minimize traffic disruptions and avoid interfering with a nearby private school.

Argaño then submitted a letter requesting permission to hold the event at Caruncho Avenue on 6 March.

As the event date approached, the team became concerned about the impact on traffic, as Caruncho Avenue serves as a key route for entering and exiting the city. After consulting with local barangay leaders, the team decided to cancel the rally to avoid inconveniencing motorists, especially with an expected turnout of around 10,000 supporters.

“We initially planned for Plaza Rizal, but the city hall suggested Caruncho Avenue,” Discaya said. “We thought it might cause traffic, so we decided not to proceed.”

The camp was surprised when Sotto posted on social media, claiming that the Discaya camp had specifically chosen Caruncho Avenue, referring to the 6 March request letter.

This led to confusion, as many were unaware of the original 24 February request, which showed the city’s suggestion for the alternative venue.

Pasig congressional candidate Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia criticized Sotto for allegedly distorting facts to manipulate public perception. He accused the mayor of reversing events and portraying his political opponents in a negative light, calling him the “mayor of social media.”

Sia claimed Sotto’s habit of interfering without full knowledge of situations could create misleading narratives, leaving Discaya and her supporters unfairly “sunk in the mud.”