CEBU, Philippines — For alleged massive vote buying in 13 barangays in Cordova, Cebu, a petition to disqualify from running for office has been filed against incumbent and reelectionist Mayor Cesar Suan and eight others.
The case was filed by former mayor and now mayoral candidate Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho.
Aside from Sitoy-Cho, there are eight other complainants, including Atty. Rounald Ave Sitoy, Cynthia Cuarenta, Enrique Durangparang III, Christopher Ligan, Anthony Pogoy, Samuel Sumagang, Jovelle Trangia, and Roque Yburan, all members of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas–Cordova Chapter.
Those named in the complaint, aside from Suan, are Vice Mayor Victor Tago III and councilor candidates Liera Casquejo, Natileigh Marie Therese Sitoy, Jerome Lepiten, Remar Baguio, Lemuel Pogoy, Chito Bentazal, Jet Wahing, and Leira Casquejo.
The eight respondents are members of the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats, a national political party locally known as the Asenso Cordovanhon Group.
The petition for disqualification and cancellation of their certificates of candidacy is based on alleged massive vote buying, a violation of Sections 68 and 261 of the Omnibus Election Code and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11104.
In their complaint, the petitioners said that on May 7 and 8, 2025—five and four days before the National and Local Elections—respondents, through their supporters, staff, machinery, or leaders, allegedly conducted massive vote buying among registered voters in several barangays in the Municipality of Cordova.
“Massive vote buying were done in all 13 barangays in Cordova, Cebu. In Barangay Poblacion, the distribution of money was done in several sites,” the complaint reads.
The complainants cited that their witnesses testified to specific distribution sites in Poblacion, including a house in Kasadya near the volleyball court and the home of Barangay Councilor Jules Baguio.
In Barangay Buagsong, the alleged distribution occurred inside the Cordova Home Village, while in Barangay Ibabao, it reportedly happened at the house of Mary Jane Pang Torres and at Nexus Store.
The complainants stated that the voters and witnesses received P1,900 placed inside a quarter-sized brown envelope, along with sample ballots and the names of Suan and his group attached to the bills.
At least 15 witnesses, who reportedly received P1,900 each, testified that they went to the petitioners’ headquarters to report the incident.
“As voters, candidates and members of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, it [is] important that [the] election should be fair, clean, orderly and honest. These incidents should not be tolerated and be given space in a democratic society,” part of the complaint reads.
In case Suan and the other respondents win the upcoming elections, the petitioners are asking to suspend their proclamation pending resolution of the instant case.
Sought for comment, Suan said they will respond to the complaint.
"Ilaha nang katungod nga mo file. Amo-a nang tubagon in the right forum.” — (FREEMAN)