Tiangco accused of black propaganda

MANILA, Philippines — A congressional candidate in Navotas accused his rival, outgoing Mayor Toby Tiangco, of orchestrating black propaganda against him.

In a Facebook Live video on Thursday night, Lutgardo “Gardy” Cruz alleged that Tiangco has a “sinister plan” that includes a “fabricated story” implicating him in vote buying.

“They would make it appear that they raided a house that kept election inks and sample ballots which would be used to shade my slot,” Cruz, a former city councilor and vice mayor, said.

He added that men clad in black would roam neighborhoods and give away sample ballots favoring him.

Cruz’s son Raymond Emil and Tiangco’s brother, Navotas Rep. John Rey Tiangco, are running for mayor.

The elder Cruz also hit reports that the Commission on Elections has disqualified him for alleged vote-buying.

He also frowned upon the result of a pre-election survey that showed he received only six percent of potential votes.

Tiangco posted on his Facebook page the result of a survey by RP-Mission and Development Foundation from April 17 to 21 showing that he received 92 percent of respondents’ support.

Tiangco has yet to respond to Cruz’s allegations.