Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In 2019, Vico Sotto launched an ambitious campaign to challenge the deeply entrenched Eusebio family, which had controlled Pasig City for 27 years. His campaign, in stark contrast to the grand spectacles of his opponents, was built on humility, integrity, and a commitment to transparency. While the Eusebios held large rallies featuring big stages, professional dancers, and appliance raffles, Vico's sorties were modest gatherings in empty lots, side streets, and even parking spaces.
One of his rallies was held in the parking lot of an apartment in Santolan, where he spoke passionately to a small crowd. His campaign stage was often just the back of a small truck, shared with his congressional candidate, his father, and a handful of supporters. Many doubted that he could defeat a powerful political dynasty—but Pasig’s voters had other plans.
A Victory for Good Governance
Despite being the underdog, Vico Sotto pulled off a stunning victory. The people of Pasig, weary of decades of political monopoly, quietly expressed their dissatisfaction through the ballot box. They chose change, and in doing so, they set the city on a transformative path.
Upon assuming office, Sotto wasted no time in making his governance as transparent as possible. Under his administration, project bidding processes became open to public scrutiny, ensuring that taxpayer money was spent efficiently and without corruption.
One striking example of this efficiency was a street lighting project near an elementary school in Santolan, which was completed with a remarkably low budget of just ₱3 million. Unlike traditional projects, there were no signs declaring, "This is a project of Vico Sotto." The work spoke for itself.
A New Era of Fiscal Responsibility
By 2024, Mayor Sotto had led Pasig City to new heights of financial prudence, culminating in a remarkable achievement: the allocation of ₱9.2 billion for a brand-new City Hall complex. Unlike previous large-scale government projects that often led to budget deficits or misappropriations, this initiative was fully funded through savings and efficiency measures, ensuring that no department’s budget was compromised.
The current Pasig City Hall, built decades ago, has long been deemed structurally inadequate, with significant deficiencies in its columns and beams. The new City Hall complex aims to provide a safe, functional, and modern workspace for government operations. However, the project has faced scrutiny from business leaders and philanthropists, who argue that the budget should be cut to a third of its original amount. Despite the criticisms, the city government stands firm, asserting that the new City Hall is a necessary investment in Pasig’s future.
International Recognition and Leadership
Mayor Sotto’s dedication to transparent governance has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, the U.S. State Department named him one of its 12 global Anti-Corruption Champions, a testament to his efforts in eradicating graft from local governance. He was also included in Tatler Asia’s list of "Asia’s Most Influential" leaders for two consecutive years, highlighting his impact on governance and public service.
The Road to 2025 and Beyond
As Pasig City approaches the 2025 elections, the impact of Vico Sotto’s leadership is undeniable. He has proven that honest, efficient governance is not just a dream—it is a reality that can be achieved with the right leadership.
His re-election campaign is expected to be a strong one, backed by a track record of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and genuine public service. The message is clear: when people choose good leaders, communities thrive.
As Filipinos prepare to cast their votes in 2025, Pasig City stands as a shining example of what can happen when citizens break free from traditional political dynasties and choose leaders who truly serve the public good.
The question now is: will the rest of the country follow Pasig’s lead?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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