Bulacan solon disputes claims that he threatened foe in 2025 polls

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MANILA, Philippines — Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador Pleyto has disputed claims that he threatened the life of Jad Racal, his possible opponent in the 2025 midterm elections, saying that such tactics are inconsistent with his personality.

Pleyto said on Friday that the allegations made by Racal’s camp are “baseless and malicious”, noting that he does not need to intimidate anybody as he is “running unopposed” in the upcoming polls.

“I am running unopposed in this election, so I have no reason—and no need—to resort to harassment, threats, or any form of intimidation.  These tactics are inconsistent with my values and the way I have always conducted myself in public service,” he said.

“Let me be clear: I have never threatened, harassed, or caused harm to any political rival nor will I ever condone such behavior. I have always upheld the principles of democracy and fair play in every election I have participated in, and I remain committed to a clean and honest campaign this May,” he added.

Pleyto did not mention why he referred to his reelection bid as unopposed, but the lawmaker filed a disqualification case against Racal for allegedly being a nuisance candidate.  The Commission on Elections has already ruled against Racal, but the issue can still be appealed.

Earlier, Racal’s lawyer said they have filed attempted murder complaints against Pleyto and several individuals for threatening the congressional aspirant’s life.

“May possible complication ito for violation of the Anti-Terror Law.  Ang insidente pong ito na aming pinagsampahan ng kaso ay hindi po isolated, ‘yon pong nangyaring pagpaslang kay (congressional aspirant Rudy) Da Silva, until now is unsolved, ilang taon na ‘yon at politically-related din,” Racal’s lawyer said in a video uploaded on his official Facebook page.

(There is a possible complication, for violation of the Anti-Terror Law.  This incident which we are complaining about is not isolated, as the killing of congressional aspirant Rudy Da Silva until now is unsolved, it’s been how many years since that, and we think it’s also politically-related.)

“Kaya kami po ay nananawagan sa lahat ng political forces d’yan sa lugar na ‘yan, pwede ba tigilan na natin itong pananakot, tigilan natin itong paggamit ng dahas,” the lawyer added.

(We are calling on all political forces in the area, let us stop fear-mongering, stop using violence.)

But Pleyto said he has already asked the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation of the allegations, as he believes the issue is just a political ploy.

“As early as last year, I formally requested both the Secretary of Justice Boying Remulla and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an impartial and independent investigation into any and all allegations being circulated,” he said.

“These accusations are clearly part of a desperate political ploy aimed at tarnishing my name and distracting the public from my record of service and the work I continue to deliver for our constituents.   I trust that the Department of Justice will act with fairness, and I welcome any legal process that will allow me to clear my name,” he added.

Pleyto meanwhile called on his constituents to scrutinize information being released to them.

“Sa ating mga kababayan: Huwag tayong basta-basta maniwala sa mga alegasyon na walang batayan at walang ebidensya. Madali pong mag-akusa lalo na sa panahon ng kampanya, madali pong manira ng puri — kahit na walang konkretong basehan,” he said.

(To our fellow Bulacan residents: let us not easily believe allegations that are without basis and evidence.  It’s easy to accuse people especially during the campaign season, it’s easy to throw dirt against a person’s dignity — even if there is no concrete basis.)

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“I call on my fellow candidates to keep the campaign focused on platforms and performance. Let us not allow old-style politics, character assassination, and misinformation to take center stage. Our people deserve better,” he claimed.