MANILA, Philippines (Updated 10:56 a.m.) — Pasig City mayoralty candidate Vico Sotto in the morning of the midterm elections refused to cast his vote due to defective automated machine.
In an interview with News5, Sotto said that the 35 machines, used in 479 clustered precincts, are not working in Pasig City.
"I haven't voted yet, because the machine was not working," he said.
"We expect that it will be replaced later so others can vote too," Sotto added in a mix of English and Filpino.
He also claimed that his supporters reported that they are being threatened not to vote.
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Sotto, son of show business heavyweights Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes, is challenging the incumbent Mayor Robert “Bobby” Eusebio for the mayoralty seat.
Should Sotto win in the May midterm elections, he would be the city’s first mayor with a different surname in 27 years.
For his campaign, Sotto said he is banking on Pasigueños’ desire for an authentic change. He is campaigning under the slogan #IbaNaman, while Eusebio said that there is no need for change.
EXPLAINER: #IbaNaman vs continuity: Political 'payanig' in Pasig
On the week leading up to the midterm polls, President Rodrigo Duterte threw his support behind Sotto.
Duterte also endorsed the candidacy of Roman Romulo who is running for congressman of Pasig City.
READ: List of local candidates 2019: Pasig City
During the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan Miting de Avance in Pasig City on May 11, Duterte also lashed out and said that “the politics here are being played by the elite, ‘yung mga mayaman na matagal na sa politika at pabalik-balik na lang.”
The president’s statement drew cheers from the audience at Philippine Sports Arena, Pasig City. — Kristine Joy Patag with report from News5/MJ Marfori