Mayor Vico Sotto Warns of Illegal Crypto Token Scheme in Pasig City

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto warned residents on May 17, 2026, that the Pasig City government has no program involving cryptocurrency, digital wallets, or token giveaways, after reports surfaced of individuals impersonating LGU personnel in Centennial 2, Barangay Pinagbuhatan. The group was allegedly collecting personal information from residents and offering digital tokens in return, prompting the mayor to caution the public against sharing data or participating in any scheme without official documentation or verified government backing.

In his public advisory, Sotto urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity to Ugnayan Sa Pasig, the Pasig City Public Information Office, or local police authorities. He said fraudulent operators often use changing tactics, including online investment pitches, cryptocurrency promotions, and pyramid-style schemes, but these only succeed when people voluntarily turn over money or personal information.

The warning comes amid broader concerns over scam networks exploiting public trust and the growing popularity of digital assets. Sotto emphasized that residents should be careful of unregistered entities presenting themselves as government-linked initiatives, especially when they ask for sensitive data, fees, or participation in supposedly exclusive programs. He stressed that legitimate local government services are communicated through official channels and supported by proper records and verification.

Sotto has also previously been targeted by impersonation attempts used to promote fraudulent financial offers. A fact-check report by VERA Files published on April 10, 2026, found that an AI-altered Facebook video falsely showed Sotto endorsing a government-backed investment project requiring a minimum entry of 15,000 pesos. The manipulated clip also included TV Patrol host Jeff Canoy and used authentic footage of Sotto from a December 2025 anti-corruption forum.

Technical review by the Deepfakes Analysis Unit later confirmed that both the audio and lip movements had been altered with artificial intelligence to mimic Sotto’s voice and appearance. The incident underscored the growing use of deepfake technology in scams and misinformation campaigns, especially in financial schemes aimed at unsuspecting social media users.

The latest Pasig advisory highlights the increasing overlap between online fraud, impersonation, and cryptocurrency-related scams in the Philippines. Authorities continue to remind the public to verify announcements through official government sources and to remain cautious when approached by groups claiming to represent public offices or offering token-based rewards.