Pasig mayor denies vote-buying allegations

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has submitted for resolution a disqualification complaint against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto involving allegations of vote-buying linked to the distribution of student scholarships.

According to minutes of a hearing released by Atty. Ronald Santiago, a hearing officer for Pasig City’s 1st District, the case moved toward resolution following the 5 January submission of a rejoinder-affidavit by Sotto’s legal team.

While the complainant, Victor H. Barral, was present at the hearing, Sotto was represented by counsel from the Macalintal Law Office.

Barral, a former city hall employee, filed the case accusing Sotto of violating the Omnibus Election Code. The complaint alleges that the administration distributed scholarship allowances to students between 6 and 8 May, just days before the 12 May elections.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, representing Barral, argued that the distribution fell within the 10-day prohibited period for releasing government funds.

“The distribution of cash assistance during the 10-day election ban is clear vote-buying,” Topacio said.

He also questioned the timing of the release, noting that the allowances were originally scheduled for January.

“So why was it lumped and released within the 10-day prohibited period? It’s hard not to see the timing as politically motivated,” he added.

Topacio said that while Sotto is entitled to due process, the allegations warrant a thorough investigation by the commission.

Sotto has denied the allegations, defending the program as a regular government service. In a statement posted to social media, the mayor said the city government obtained Comelec clearance for the program as early as 24 March.

“Surely, a regular scholarship program doesn’t qualify as election-related assistance,” Sotto said. “Let’s give our young scholars more credit — they know this doesn’t come from me personally.”

With all pleadings now submitted, the Comelec will determine if the distribution constituted a violation of election laws sufficient to disqualify the incumbent mayor.