Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto vote-buying complaint submitted for resolution

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has submitted for resolution the disqualification complaint in connection with alleged vote-buying by incumbent Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, filed by a City Hall employee.

This was stated in the minutes of hearing issued by Atty. Ronald Santiago, hearing officer of the Comelec Office of the Election Officer, 1st District of Pasig City, dated 5 January 2026.

Based on the minutes of the hearing, complainant Victor H. Barral appeared, while respondent Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto again failed to appear but was represented by counsel from the Macalintal Law Office.

“Respondent’s counsel submitted his verified rejoinder-affidavit, copy furnished to the complainant.”

The minutes also stated: “The parties are reminded to send all their pleadings and/or submissions to this office’s official e-mail address: pasigcity1st@comelec.gov.ph

. With the submission of the rejoinder-affidavit, the instant complaint is now submitted for resolution.”

To recall, Barral, a former Pasig City Hall employee, filed a disqualification case against Mayor Sotto before the Comelec, accusing him of vote-buying — a violation of Section 261 (A) and (O) of the Omnibus Election Code — through the distribution of student scholarship allowances just days before the 12 May elections.

The complaint stemmed from the distribution of financial aid to scholars from 6 to 8 May at the Tanghalang Pasigueño.

Barral claimed that Sotto’s administration violated the election ban on distributing cash or any benefit that could influence voters.

“The distribution of cash assistance during the 10-day election ban is clear vote-buying,” Barral’s lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said, adding: “There are acts that, even if not direct cash-giving, can still influence voters — such as hiring employees, transferring positions, giving food, or in this case, a lump-sum release of funds.”

He added that the scholarship allowances should have been disbursed much earlier in the year.

“This wasn’t a sudden emergency, like death or medical aid. The city government had this scheduled for January,” he said. “So why was it lumped and released within the 10-day prohibited period? It’s hard not to see the timing as politically motivated.”

Topacio clarified that he is not declaring Sotto guilty but is urging the Comelec to investigate the case thoroughly.

“We’re not saying he’s guilty at this point. He has the right to due process. But this is a serious allegation, and we brought it to the proper authority — the Comelec.”

Sotto, in a Facebook post, defended the program, saying the city had obtained clearance from the Comelec 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.”