Comelec disqualifies Cabuyao mayor for vote-buying

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 1st Division has disqualified Cabuyao City Mayor Dennis Felipe Hain due to vote-buying during the 2025 midterm elections, following a petition by incumbent Vice Mayor Leif Opiña.

Hain allegedly distributed P1,000 cash to residents during events presented as 'Poll Watchers Seminars' in April, requiring attendees to surrender mobile phones and present voter's IDs.

The Comelec division found that Hain provided 'something of value' with the intent to induce residents to vote for him, constituting vote-buying.

Although Hain denied the allegations, the Comelec ruled that Opiña's evidence sufficiently established the commission of vote-buying.

Mayor Hain has filed a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec, which suspends the implementation of the disqualification, allowing him to remain in office until a final decision is reached.