Pasig City Councilor Raymund Francis "Kiko" Rustia, currently serving his second term under the Nationalist People’s Coalition, is facing a coordinated "black operations" campaign. This disinformation effort involves the proliferation of fake social media accounts specifically designed to discredit him and manipulate public perception.

These fraudulent accounts are actively circulating on Facebook, attempting to fabricate a narrative that Councilor Rustia is prematurely positioning himself for a mayoral bid in the 2028 elections. A key tactic involves creating accounts under the name "Mayor Rustia," an overt attempt to suggest a campaign that is not yet underway and to sow discord within the local political landscape. In a recent facebook post from the official page of Councilor Kiko he said that “ FYI po, ingat po sa mga pages na nagpapanggap! Ang ating FB profile at page ay may Blue Check at verified po! At lalong lalo na hindi po ako manghihingi ng load para magpadala din ng load “

Pasig City's Political Landscape

The political climate in Pasig City has undergone significant transformation under Mayor Vico Sotto. Currently in his final term, Mayor Sotto successfully dismantled a decades-long culture of traditional politics dominated by the Eusebio dynasty, ushering in an era of progressive governance and transparency.

These "black operations" highlight the challenges of maintaining truth and integrity in the digital age, especially in the run-up to significant political events like the 2028 elections, where genuine public discourse can be easily overshadowed by misinformation. Despite these online attacks, Councilor Rustia remains focused on his responsibilities as a Pasig City Councilor, dedicated to serving his constituents and contributing to the city's progress.

Is this the start of the 2028 open season as Mayor Vico’s term is about to end?