12/08/2025
BREAKING NEWS NA NAMAN!
Poll law violations filed vs. ex-Taguig mayor’s allies
A complaint was filed Monday against allies of former Taguig City mayor and losing congressional candidate Lino Cayetano for alleged violation of election laws by campaigning on social media just hours before voters cast their ballots.
In his complainant before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Taguig resident Santiago Mercado alleged that Raymond Salve, a member of Cayetano’s close-in security team, and Maryruth Roven Maximo, a former Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) Federation president and long-time supporter of the former local official, posted identical campaign materials on Facebook on May 12, election day.
The alleged campaign posts were “To all my friends in District 1 -- Taguig and Pateros -- choose a leader who delivers. Direk Lino has a strong track record, a clear platform, and real experience, especially during the pandemic. Proven leadership when it mattered most!” and “Vote Direk Lino Cayetano for Congressman of Taguig District 1 and Pateros”
According to the complaint-affidavit, the respondents violated Section 5 of Republic Act (RA) 7166 (Synchronized National and Local Elections Act) in relation to RA 9006 (Fair Elections Act) and Comelec Resolutions Nos. 10999 and 11086, which explicitly prohibit any form of partisan political activity, including social media posts, on May 11 and 12, referred to as the “silent period.”
It added that their acts fall under the definition of online campaigning, which includes texts, images, and combinations thereof posted to sway voter preference.
The respondents’ materials allegedly highlighted Cayetano’s ballot name and number, and repeated talking points designed to undermine disqualification narratives and generate sympathy.
The publication materials, according to the affidavit, were “not random expressions,” but were strategically crafted and timed to encourage voters in Taguig’s First District to vote for Cayetano.
It added that the posts were public, widely visible and shared, adding to their potential to reach and influence during a legally protected period.
As part of the process, the poll body will be conducting a preliminary investigation, and if sufficient grounds are found, criminal charges may be filed, with penalties that include imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office, as provided under Sections 263 and 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Incumbent Ricardo Cruz Jr. beat Cayetano with 106,124 votes (46.52 percent) as against the latter’s 72,007 votes (31.57 percent).
Narito ang link ng naturang balita:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1256297?fbclid=IwY2xjawMHtkNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETEzZEM2QUhLMUNPSkVyeE42AR5Gi-Gx5Nu5TZiRQYkLFo1F2YrgK6J-e2_g3rySxwjhShag-vAO2Wxx9HHCUw_aem_0Sh4UnJWwjT27xg_GgwmXw
MANILA – A complaint was filed Monday against allies of former Taguig City mayor and losing congressional candidate Lino Cayetano for alleged violation of election laws by campaigning on social media just hours before voters cast their ballots. In his complainant before the Commission on…