Forced interview of PWD vs Sotto held at foe’s compound

The interview where a 57-year-old woman with a psychological disability was reportedly coerced into speaking against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto took place inside the compound of St. Gerrard Construction.

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This is the construction firm now at the center of the controversy, according to Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, which is owned by the family of Sarah Discaya, Sotto’s main rival for the mayoral post in the upcoming elections.

Gatchalian shared the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) key findings in an interview with ANC on Thursday, April 10.

The DSWD’s fact-finding team found that the woman had been made to follow a script in exchange for rice. The interview was also confirmed to have been conducted inside St. Gerrard Construction’s premises.

“We also know where the rice distribution [by vloggers] was taking place and we also know where the video took place,” Gatchalian said.

“It was in St. Gerrard Construction which I believe is related to a candidate running in Pasig,” he added.

Discaya’s husband previously said they were “provoked” to run after Sotto revealed that the company is under investigation for alleged fraud, misrepresentation, contract anomalies and the use of substandard materials.

Sotto previously revealed documents showing how the incorporators of St. Timothy Construction, which has ties to St. Gerrard Construction, were connected to Miru Systems. It was the firm that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ultimately decided not to fund.

‘SYSTEMATIC STORYLINE’