Pasig City Vice Mayor Iyo Caruncho Bernardo has filed a cyber libel complaint against Mayor Vico Sotto over what he described as defamation during a flag ceremony speech in January wherein the latter tarnished his reputation.

"Ito pong nangyaring insidente sa flag ceremony, naniniwala kasi ako na hindi mo dapat ginagamit ang flag ceremony. Ginagamit ho ito para pasalamatan ang mga empleyado po namin para i-encourage para lalo pa pong mag trabaho po para sa mga Pasigeño," said Bernardo, who is Sotto's rival in the mayoralty in the upcoming elections.

Lawyer Ramon Gerard Hernandez, the lawyer of Bernardo, however, dispelled allegations the charges would be used for political gains, even as the local election campaign period starts on March 25.

Sotto deferred commenting, saying they would wait for a copy of the cyber libel complaint filed by Bernardo.