Bernardo files cyberlibel raps vs Vico

This combination of file photos shows Pasig City Vico Sotto (left) and Vice Mayor Christian “Iyo” Caruncho Bernardo. INQUIRER FILES/Iyo Bernardo’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Vice Mayor Iyo Caruncho Bernardo on Friday filed a cyberlibel complaint against Mayor Vico Sotto, his opponent in the mayoralty race in the coming local election.

The complaint was based on Sotto’s speech during a flag-raising ceremony in January, where the incumbent mayor called Bernardo “uncooperative and unsupportive” of the city government’s programs, policies and agenda.

“It is not in the character of Pasigueños to malign other people,” Bernardo told reporters. “There’s a proper venue to air your grievances … just don’t do it during the [flag-raising ceremony].”

The camp of Bernardo did not provide details of the complaint. His lawyer Ramon Gerard Hernandez said Sotto’s remarks’ “casted doubt on [Bernardo’s] honor and discredited his qualification and reputation as vice mayor.”

Hernandez, however, dispelled allegations the charges would be used for political gains, even as the local election campaign period starts on March 25.

Sotto deferred to comment, saying they would wait for a copy of the cyberlibel complaint filed by Bernardo.

During the flag-raising ceremony on Jan. 10, which was aired on Pasig City Public Information Office’s official Facebook page, Sotto called out Bernardo for spewing political criticism against the current city administration, before doing his responsibilities as an elected official.

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