Lawyer says foreign passport doesn't disqualify Discaya from running

The legal team of Pasig City mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya has stated that possessing a foreign passport does not necessarily disqualify her from running for public office.

Discaya's lawyer, Atty. Edward Gialogo, argued in a press release that there is no basis for the petition to disqualify his client due to her British citizenship and emphasized that she is a dual citizen by birth under Philippine law.

The issue arose after Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto posted on Facebook about a petition filed by Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya II, challenging Sarah Discaya's eligibility based on her foreign passport.

Atty. Gialogo cited the Supreme Court decision in Gana-Carait vs. Comelec, which affirms that individuals who are dual citizens by birth are not barred from running for public office.

Discaya's camp challenged Sotto to provide evidence supporting his allegations and urged him to present proof of any violations of Philippine laws by Sarah Discaya.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that the poll body would wait for a proper case to be filed against Discaya before taking action.