MANILA — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has lodged an election offense complaint against Pasig mayoral candidate Cezarah Rowena Discaya before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) over alleged campaign overspending and perjury in connection with the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.

In a statement, COMELEC’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) confirmed receipt of Sotto’s Complaint-Affidavit accusing Discaya of violating Section 100 in relation to Section 262 of the Omnibus Election Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 7199, as well as Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.

Sotto questioned the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) submitted by Discaya, claiming it contained deficiencies, particularly the alleged non-disclosure of certain campaign contributions and expenses. He pointed to the supposed omission of digital advertisements and large outdoor materials, such as billboards, that were used during the campaign period.

In his complaint, Sotto said Discaya’s allowable campaign spending for the 2025 polls was pegged at P1,391,655.00, computed at P3.00 multiplied by 463,885 registered voters in Pasig City. However, Discaya’s SOCE reflected only P895,000.00 in total expenses, all categorized under “Stationery, printing and distribution of printed materials relative to candidacy,” with no declaration of digital or outdoor advertising costs.

Sotto alleged that Discaya did not submit a “full, true and itemized, statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election” as required by law. He further claimed that once undeclared digital and outdoor advertising expenses are accounted for, her total campaign spending would exceed the legal limit of P3.00 per registered voter for candidates affiliated with a political party, subject to COMELEC’s determination.

Apart from the alleged overspending, Sotto also accused Discaya of committing perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, asserting that she knowingly made material misrepresentations in her sworn SOCE.