TWO petitions have been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeking the disqualification of Rose Nono Lin, a congressional candidate in the fifth district of Quezon City, for alleged illegal campaigning and vote-buying.

The petitions, dated April 29, were filed separately by Ligaya Sta. Ana and Karen Altar, both residents of Quezon City. Sta. Ana claimed that Lin violated the Omnibus Election Code, and Comelec Resolutions 10999 and 11086 when she campaigned on April 17, Maundy Thursday. Lin ran for the same position during the 2022 elections but lost. She was implicated in the multibillion Pharmally controversy and in Philippine offshore gaming operations. She denied the allegations during several congressional investigations. "These Comelec resolutions reflect clear legislative intent and a consistent, long-standing Comelec policy to uphold the solemnity of Holy Week observances by prohibiting electoral campaigning on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday," Sta. Ana said in her petition. She said Rose Lin's campaign "erected a highly visible red tent just outside the Nova Plaza Mall in Quezon City on April 17, 2025. The tent prominently displayed Rose Lin's campaign nickname and rose emblem." Lin's campaign workers distributed free refreshments to passersby while soliciting votes for the candidate. Lin's campaign "chose the timing and setting to leverage a day when many community members were gathered for a religious activity, thus maximizing exposure for Rose Lin's campaign. In effect, her campaign team transformed a solemn religious holiday — meant for prayer and reflection — into an opportunity for electioneering," she said. Altar, meanwhile, alleged a systematic process of Lin to perform acts that constituted vote-buying. "In the weeks leading to the preparation of this petition, widespread reports and growing concerns emerged within the community regarding apparent acts of vote-buying by Rose Lim's campaign," Altar said. The petitioner said she herself received 5 kilograms of rice during one of Lin's house-to-house activities. "As early as Feb. 12, 2025, Rose Lin's campaign agents systematically compiled lists of voters, promising them P1,000 in exchange for attending a scheduled event. On the day of the event, March 29, 2025, or within the campaign period, voters were transported by rented white vans from a gas station ... in Novaliches to a secluded building in Parañaque," Altar said. Lin arrived at the venue and addressed the crowd about her campaign platforms and promised "konting tulong" or financial help. "After her departure, campaign staff distributed P1,000 to each voter, who then signed attendance sheets to confirm receipt. After the payout, attendees were promptly transported back to Quezon City," Altar said. "The actions of Lin and her campaign team, as detailed in the affidavits, exhibit a clear pattern of vote-buying and vote-selling," Altar said.