Isko Moreno denies vote-buying allegations

Manila mayoral candidate Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso denied allegations of vote-buying on Wednesday, April 30, following the issuance of a show-cause order by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Domagoso's legal counsel, Maria Bernadette Sardillo, stated that the candidate was merely a speaker at an event held on March 26 and did not distribute cash as alleged.

Sardillo cited Pañera vs. Comelec to argue that the campaign activity took place before the 45-day campaign period began on March 28, making it impossible for Domagoso to be held liable under the Omnibus Election Code.

Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay, established through Resolution 11104, issued a show-cause order to Domagoso on April 24 to explain why he should not be disqualified from the May elections due to alleged vote-buying activities.

Resolution 11104 defines vote-buying and vote-selling under Section 24 as the act of giving, offering or promising anything of value in exchange for a vote, which includes goods, services, or other favors exchanged for votes.

Sardillo emphasized that no evidence has been presented to prove that Domagoso handed cash to teachers on March 26.