Vico Sotto unfazed by disqualification case, says he hasn’t received it

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MANILA, Philippines — Reelectionist Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said he hasn’t received a copy of the disqualification complaint filed against him by a former city hall employee. 

“Wala pa naman kami natanggap (We haven’t received anything yet),” he said. 

Sotto, who is seeking a third and final term, cast his vote on the afternoon of Monday, May 12, at a polling precinct in Valle Verde.

In an ambush interview, he was asked if he was concerned about the disqualification case filed against him for allegedly violating the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) 45-day ban on distributing financial assistance during the campaign period.

The complaint, filed by former city hall employee Vic Barral, accused Sotto of vote-buying through the distribution of cash allowances to city scholars.

Sotto was quick to deny the allegation, saying the poll body had approved his request to exempt several city programs, including the scholarship aid. These include: 

• Provision of Vouchers for Students of Private Colleges and Universities as part of the Pasig City’s Pag-Asa Scholarship Program.
• Provision of Other Financial Assistance to Pasigueño Learners
• Educational Assistance for Special Education and Non-Grader Students

RELATED: Unfazed by rival, Vico Sotto launches reelection bid and reflects on Pasig’s gains

He cited and linked the Comelec law department's March 24 approval notice, signed by Chairperson George Garcia, in his Facebook post. Sotto added that the scholars know the financial aid does not come from his own pocket.

Sotto also pushed back against opponents spreading false information and propaganda aimed at discrediting his record as Pasig mayor.

“Pero ano naman eh, alam niyo naman po na ‘yung kalaban namin talagang gagawin ang lahat — lahat ng kalokohan, lahat ng distraction — subukan nila, gagawin,” he said.

(But you know, our opponents will really do everything — every dirty trick, every distraction — they’ll try it, they’ll do it.)

RELATED: DSWD: Forced interview of PWD vs Sotto held at Discaya’s construction firm

For now, he said his focus is on monitoring the city’s electoral situation and ensuring that polling precincts are conducting the elections smoothly.

At Valle Verde, Sotto noted that the vote-counting machines were functioning properly, security was in place, and he was able to cast his vote without any issues.

“Kaya kami dire-diretso lang, focus lang. Ngayon, wala naman akong iba kung ‘di i-monitor ang sitwasyon ng eleksyon na maayos, mapayapa,” he said. “Okay ang machines, security, okay naman.” 

(That’s why we’re staying the course and keeping our focus. Right now, my only concern is to monitor the elections and make sure they’re conducted properly and peacefully. The machines and security were also okay.)

Asked for his final message, Sotto called on local and national leaders to “work together” in ensuring the elections end well. “From canvassing to proclamation of winners,” he added. 

The May 12 elections ran from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., marked by reports of malfunctioning vote-counting machines, breaches in ballot secrecy, incidents of electoral violence and long lines at polling precincts. — with reports from Martin Ramos