Merrera faces disqualification case for alleged vote buying
BINMALEY Mayor Pedro Merrera III, who is running for reelection in the May 12 polls, is facing a petition for disqualification due to alleged vote buying filed by his opponent in the mayoralty race, Vice Mayor Simplicio Rosario.
The complaint, docketed as Case No. SPA 25-139 (DC), was received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) central office on May 6.
“I am hereby filing the instant Petition for violation of Section 261 (a) in relation to Section 262 of the Omnibus Election Code against the Respondent (Merrera),” the petition reads.
In a press conference, Rosario said an anonymous sender gave him a video shot on April 26, 2025 showing Merrera allegedly helping distribute ₱1,000 cash to Binmaley residents, which he claims is vote buying.
The individuals identified in the video, according to Rosario, include Leon Castro, a known supporter of the mayor; former barangay kagawad Arthur Agsalud; Roger Samson, a former staff member from the Mayor’s Office; and several local residents.
Despite the alleged vote buying incident, Rosario expressed confidence that the people of Binmaley will vote according to their conscience.
“They’ll accept the money since they didn’t ask for it, but I believe they will still choose based on their heart and judgment,” he said.
Comelec Chair George Garcia announced last week that winning candidates with pending disqualification cases may not be immediately proclaimed, “especially if there is strong evidence against them.” (Eva Visperas)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
