Rose Nono Lin, controversial congressional hopeful in Quezon City’s 5th District, is facing mounting pressure as two separate petitions have been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), each calling for her disqualification on serious grounds.
The first complaint accuses Lin of illegal campaigning on Maundy Thursday — a day strictly off-limits for political activity under Comelec rules. The second alleges systematic vote-buying, potentially undermining the integrity of the upcoming May 2025 elections.
Lin, dubbed by critics as the “Pharmally Queen,” rose to public infamy due to her links to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., the company at the center of a multi-billion peso scandal during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. As Pharmally’s former corporate treasurer, Lin was closely associated with deals that were flagged for alleged anomalies. She is also married to Lin Weixiong (a.k.a. Allan Lim), who has been linked to the illegal drug trade, alongside Pharmally president Michael Yang.
Adding to the controversy, Lin is believed to have deep ties with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), reportedly controlling over 20 licensees and sub-licensees — making her one of the biggest players in the industry.
The first petition, filed by Ligaya A. Sta. Ana and backed by multiple eyewitness affidavits, alleges that Lin’s campaign team brazenly set up a bright red tent near Nova Plaza Mall in Novaliches on Maundy Thursday, April 17 — despite explicit Comelec orders against campaigning on that day. The tent was adorned with her nickname “Ate Rose Lin” and her signature rose emblem. Campaign staff allegedly distributed free refreshments and directly solicited votes from passersby — many of whom were observing Holy Week in solemn reflection.
Sta. Ana slammed the incident as a disrespectful exploitation of religious tradition for political gain, citing it as both a moral and legal violation. “This wasn’t just campaigning — it was desecrating a sacred time for many Filipinos,” she stated in the complaint.
The second petition, spearheaded by Karen Altar and a group of concerned voters, alleges that Lin’s team engaged in organized vote-buying, handing out cash and sacks of rice during the official campaign period. The operation, according to the complaint, was carried out discreetly and strategically to avoid detection, involving detailed coordination that points to a well-planned scheme.
The petition cites violations of Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code, which explicitly prohibits candidates from offering money or material goods in exchange for votes.
Both petitions call on Comelec not only to disqualify Lin but also to refer the case to its Law Department for deeper investigation and potential prosecution.
“These aren’t isolated incidents,” said Altar. “They reflect a dangerous pattern of disrespect for election laws and ethical standards.”
As the May elections approach, pressure is mounting on Comelec to act decisively. Petitioners argue that the outcome of these cases could set a crucial precedent — and help restore public faith in a system many fear is vulnerable to abuse.