Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said on Friday, March 7, that he will begin his campaign activities only when the official local campaign period starts on March 28.
He made the statement as he addressed frequently asked questions from citizens, following misleading claims spread by troll accounts regarding election campaigning.
“Kung maaalala ninyo, mula 2016 (konsehal), hindi ako nagpapakabit ng tarp bago magsimula ang official campaign period. Sa March 28 pa naman ang umpisa ng official Local Campaign Period (If you remember, since 2016 when I was a councilor, I haven’t put up tarpaulins before the official campaign period. The official local campaign period starts on March 29).”
Sotto talked about troll accounts posting in various Facebook groups this claim: “Mga taga-Pasig hindi raw gumagamit si Mayor ng tarp at anti-epal daw ‘yun. Babaklasin daw ng mga taga city hall ‘yan sabi niya. Ano ‘to, ‘pag siya nagpakabit wala ng anti-epal at bawal baklasin ‘yan. Yung ibang hindi niya kasama ‘yun ang inaalis. Kinakain mo sarili mong salita, bossing!.”
Along with the statement, they posted a photo showing a tarpaulin with Sotto’s name being put up on a gate.
“Pinost ito ng isang confirmed troll account sa ibat-ibang fb group kahapon. Nakakatawa lang naman siya, pero magandang halimbawa ng style nila na susubukan na lang nila tayong guluhin at lituhin. Kung ano-ano na lang sinasabi kahit walang sense, baka sakaling magmukhang may naniniwala sa kanila (A confirmed troll account posted this in various Facebook groups yesterday. It’s funny, but it also shows their tactic—trying to confuse and mislead us. They say all sorts of nonsense, hoping that some people might believe them),” the mayor stated.
“Sakto na lang din, kasi gusto ko talagang pag-usapan ang topic na 'to. Parati kasing may nagtatanong tungkol sa mga posters at ‘premature campaigning’ (It’s actually a good opportunity because I really want to talk about this topic. People often ask about posters and premature campaigning),” he added.
Sotto further clarified that some supporters get excited and even have their own tarpaulins made, but he always asks them not to put them up until the local campaign period begins.
The mayor also explained why some local candidates are already campaigning, putting up billboards, and airing TV ads despite election rules.
“May matinding 'loophole' ang batas. Pinagtalunan na ito hanggang sa Korte Suprema. Ang sabi, dahil sa RA 9369, maaari lang ituring na 'candidate' ang isang tao kapag nagsimula na ang official campaign period (Penera v. Comelec, Nov. 2009). Sa interpretasyon na ito, wala nang maaaring maparusahan dahil sa premature campaigning (There is a major loophole in the law, which has even been debated in the Supreme Court. According to RA 9369, a person can only be considered a ‘candidate’ once the official campaign period begins (Penera v. Comelec, Nov. 2009). Under this interpretation, no one can be penalized for premature campaigning),” Sotto said.
With that, he said it allows candidates to campaign freely without fear of penalties, as they believe no consequences will follow even if they violate regulations such as the Comelec Resolution 11086, which sets limits on poster size (2x3 feet), expenses, and other campaign rules.
Sotto added that any campaign material on public property (posts or fences) must be removed, regardless of whether it belongs to a local or national candidate, an ally, or an opponent.
At the same time, he emphasized that while campaign materials on public property must be removed, those placed on private property should be respected, as long as the owner gives permission.
He acknowledged that some still follow traditional political practices, but he believes Pasigueños will prove this year that the era of traditional politics in the city is over.
"Gagawin natin ito, hindi sa galing ng isang tao o grupo, kundi sa pinagsamang talino at lakas ng nakararaming Pasigueño (We will make this happen, not through the ability of one person or group, but through the collective wisdom and strength of Pasigueños)," he said.