Comelec division disqualifies Quezon Province House bet over vote-buying

Matt Erwin Florido. Photo from Florido facebook page.

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified a congressional candidate from Quezon province due to alleged vote buying.

Comelec 1st Division presided by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino disqualified General Luna town mayor Matt Erwin Florido, who is a candidate for the position of 3rd District Representative.

“The Commission (First Division) GRANTS the Petition to Disqualify Respondent MATT ERWIN V. FLORIDO as a candidate for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Quezon Province, for the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections,” said the 13-page resolution, which was furnished to the media on Wednesday.

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Petitioners alleged that on April 5, they were invited by a representative of Florido in a gathering where they allegedly distributed P1,000 cash with the said candidate openly soliciting the votes of the audience.

The Comelec division said the petition has merits and “sufficient in form.”

Florido said he will fight the disqualification case.

“Their pressure and use of power continue,” Florido said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “THE FIGHT CONTINUES. THEIR LIES WILL NEVER SUCCEED. No one should give up. Our victory is near!”

Florido could still appeal his disqualification before the Comelec en banc, and if the higher Comelec court affirms the 1st Division ruling, he could still elevate his case to the Supreme Court.