Vico Sotto vs. the Discayas: A Struggle for Integrity in Pasig Politics

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — October 7, 2024

PASIG City is at a crossroads, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Reformist Mayor Vico Sotto has set his sights on dismantling decades of old-guard political dominance, but he’s up against an unexpected contender: Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya, a figure steeped in controversy and power. As the 2025 mayoral race looms, the city holds its breath, wondering who will shape its future—and at what cost.

The Rise of Vico Sotto

Sotto’s ascent to power in 2019 marked a new era in Pasig politics, breaking the stranglehold of the Eusebio family, which had dominated the city for nearly three decades. His appeal is rooted in his reformist zeal, transparency, and unrelenting drive to dismantle the entrenched political machinery. Yet, his uncompromising leadership style has not only earned him admirers but also detractors. Some are wary of his approach, accusing him of being overly antagonistic towards any potential adversaries. In particular, his ongoing conflict with business entities like St. Timothy Construction Corp. has raised suspicions and fueled conspiracy theories.

The Business Connection: St. Timothy and St. Gerrard

Sotto’s most recent feud involves Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, the CEO of St. Gerrard General Contractor and Development Corp., whose wife, Cezarah Discaya, is now running against him. Sotto alleges that St. Timothy Construction Corp.—a company that withdrew from a joint venture with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after a conflict-of-interest scandal—is effectively controlled by the same people behind St. Gerrard. He backs his claim with evidence of shared incorporators, business addresses, and personal ties.

The problem, however, goes beyond the rivalry. St. Timothy’s involvement in the automated election process—while its backers are poised to run in the same election—raises the specter of election manipulation. Comelec Chairman George Garcia’s swift move to have St. Timothy withdraw from the election deal is crucial in protecting the integrity of the electoral process. Garcia alluded to the conflict of interest and stated that failure to address it could lead to disqualification of certain candidates, underscoring the importance of preventing business interests from hijacking democracy.

Sotto has been vocal about this, taking to social media to highlight the impropriety of such arrangements. His stance is clear: the city must be vigilant against businesses seeking to use political influence for personal gain.

The Discaya Response: A Cry of Persecution

On the other side of this escalating conflict, the Discayas claim they are being unjustly persecuted. Curlee Discaya argues that Sotto’s allegations are speculative at best and designed to tarnish their reputation by associating them with the Eusebios, a family that Sotto successfully ousted. In Discaya’s narrative, Sotto has turned them into political scapegoats, using their business connections to stoke fears of corruption and election tampering, all while lacking concrete evidence.

The Discayas’ defense pivots on Sotto’s supposed refusal to collaborate with them in 2019, despite their efforts to bridge the gap. Curlee frames this as Sotto’s way of ensuring that St. Gerrard and the Eusebios remain linked in the public eye, thus solidifying Sotto’s position as the reformist standing against the old guard. However, Sotto’s evidence—documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) indicating shared incorporators between St. Timothy and St. Gerrard—raises doubts about Discaya’s denials.

The Gray Areas: Legal and Ethical Dilemmas

At the core of this controversy are the legal frameworks that guard against conflicts of interest in Philippine politics. Laws like Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) and Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) explicitly prohibit public officials from holding financial interests in government contracts. If the connection between St. Timothy and St. Gerrard is proven, the Discayas could face significant legal challenges, potentially resulting in disqualification from the election.

However, proving such conflicts of interest has always been a legal quagmire. Cases like the Floirendo case, where a congressman’s conviction for conflict of interest was overturned by the Supreme Court, demonstrate the difficulties in establishing financial benefits or direct influence over government transactions. The burden of proof will rest on whether Sotto can concretely demonstrate that St. Gerrard has unfairly benefitted from its alleged ties to St. Timothy.

The Ballot Box Blues: Fears of Tampered Votes

The controversy also taps into a broader concern: the lingering suspicion in the Philippines that election results can be manipulated through the very machines designed to ensure transparency. The use of automated voting systems has been marred by allegations of fraud, casting a shadow over Comelec’s credibility. The fact that a construction company tied to the election process has close ties to a candidate is enough to stoke fears of rigged results, even without concrete evidence.

The Power Play: Who Holds the Upper Hand?

From an objective standpoint, Sotto has the upper hand. His ability to wield the power of incumbency, combined with his track record of transparency and reform, makes him a formidable opponent. His evidence against the Discayas, while circumstantial, resonates in a political climate sensitive to corruption. Furthermore, his emphasis on integrity aligns with a public weary of dynastic politics and backroom deals.

The Discayas, however, have the backing of President Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and this alliance may bolster their campaign. Yet, their defense largely hinges on playing the victim card—portraying Sotto’s accusations as baseless persecution. Whether voters buy into this narrative remains to be seen, but their failure to directly counter Sotto’s evidence weakens their case.

Recommendations

For Sotto, the path forward is clear: transparency and legal rigor. He should continue to emphasize evidence and adhere to legal processes, allowing the Comelec and courts to adjudicate the matter. His reformist image will only grow if he can maintain a clean, facts-based campaign.

For Discaya, a more robust defense strategy is essential. If there is indeed no conflict of interest, the Discayas need to publicly disclose more detailed information about their business operations, offering clear rebuttals to Sotto’s claims. Failing to do so will leave them vulnerable to the perception of impropriety.

The countdown to Pasig’s 2025 election has begun, and with it, the city’s chance to break free from the past or be shackled by it once more. Will the promise of reform endure, or will the forces of corruption reclaim their territory? Whatever the outcome, the choices made in this election will ripple through Pasig’s future, shaping the legacy of its leaders and its people.