Taguig city: A complaint was filed Monday against allies of former Taguig City mayor and losing congressional candidate Lino Cayetano for alleged violation of election laws by campaigning on social media just hours before voters cast their ballots.

According to Philippines News Agency, Taguig resident Santiago Mercado alleged in his complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that Raymond Salve, a member of Cayetano’s close-in security team, and Maryruth Roven Maximo, a former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president and long-time supporter of the former local official, posted identical campaign materials on Facebook on May 12, election day.

The disputed campaign posts urged friends in District 1 — Taguig and Pateros — to “choose a leader who delivers,” promoting Lino Cayetano’s leadership credentials and encouraging votes for him as Congressman of Taguig District 1 and Pateros. These posts allegedly violated Section 5 of Republic Act 7166 and other election rules, which prohibit any partisan political activity on May 11 and 12, known as the ‘silent period.’

The complaint-affidavit detailed that the materials were not mere expressions but strategically crafted to sway voter preference, highlighting Cayetano’s ballot name and number while undermining disqualification narratives. The posts were reportedly public, widely visible, and shared, increasing their influence during the legally protected period.

As the process unfolds, the poll body will conduct a preliminary investigation, which could lead to criminal charges if sufficient grounds are established. Penalties might include imprisonment and disqualification from public office, as stated in the Omnibus Election Code.

In the recent elections, incumbent Ricardo Cruz Jr. defeated Cayetano, securing 106,124 votes (46.52 percent) to Cayetano’s 72,007 votes (31.57 percent).