CONGRESSIONAL candidate Jesus “Bong” Suntay and two city council aspirants have been formally accused of vote-buying via a so-called “networking scheme” ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
The complaint, filed by civic group Quezon City Against Corruption (QCAC) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Law Department on Tuesday, alleges that Suntay and his co-accused violated the Omnibus Election Code by engaging in a scheme that constitutes a serious election offense.
Also named in the complaint are councilor candidates Miguel “Migz” Suntay and Emmanuel “Kiko” Del Mundo, who are alleged to have participated in the same illicit activity.
According to the complaint, the accused implemented a pyramid-like vote-buying operation where groups of eight registered voters were each given ₱1,000 per person in exchange for recruiting another set of eight voters—who were then encouraged to replicate the process. The QCAC described this as a vote-buying method disguised as a referral-based recruitment tactic.
Vote-buying is a grave offense under the Omnibus Election Code, punishable by one to six years of imprisonment (without probation), permanent disqualification from holding public office, and revocation of voting rights.
Jesus “Bong” Suntay previously ran for the same congressional seat in 2022 but lost to Rep. Marvin Rillo, who currently serves as Lakas-CMD Vice President for the National Capital Region.
Following the filing of the complaint, QCAC held a press conference at Kamuning Bakery Café on April 8, where Atty. Jess Falcis III and QCAC Chairperson John Paul Orate spoke on behalf of the organization, urging Comelec to take swift action.
metrosundaily
