The Rise of Vico Sotto: How Pasig City Broke Free from a Political Dynasty

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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?

Duterte’s Shocking ‘Kill 15 Senators’ Remark Sparks Legal Firestorm – Is He in Trouble?

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In a recent political rally, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a controversial remark suggesting the elimination of 15 senators to create vacancies for his party's candidates. This statement has ignited a firestorm of criticism from lawmakers, legal experts, and the public, raising concerns about the normalization of violent rhetoric in the nation's political discourse.

Immediate Reactions and Legal Actions

The Philippine National Police (PNP) responded promptly by filing a criminal complaint against Duterte. Major General Nicolas Torre III submitted the complaint to the Department of Justice, emphasizing the potential danger of such statements, especially given Duterte's significant following. Torre warned that supporters might interpret the remark literally, posing risks to public safety. 

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro also condemned Duterte's comment, stating, "Murder and terrorism are not a joke." She urged authorities to take the former president's words seriously to prevent any potential incitement to violence. 

Legal Implications of Vague Threats

Duterte's failure to specify which 15 of the 24 senators he was referring to adds a layer of ambiguity, complicating legal proceedings. Under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, crimes such as grave threats (Article 282) and inciting to sedition (Article 142) typically require a clear and identifiable target. The absence of specific names makes it challenging to establish a direct threat, potentially weakening any legal case. 

However, the broader political and ethical implications remain significant. Even if the statement doesn't meet the legal criteria for prosecution, it contributes to a culture of violent political rhetoric, which many argue is detrimental to democratic discourse.

Context of a Pattern of Behavior

This incident is not isolated. Duterte has a history of making incendiary remarks. Notably, during his tenure as mayor of Davao City, he admitted to maintaining a "death squad" aimed at eliminating criminals, a claim he reiterated during a Senate inquiry. While he denied authorizing extrajudicial killings during his presidency, these admissions have fueled ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court into potential crimes against humanity related to his administration's war on drugs. 

Adding to the controversy, Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, has faced her own legal challenges. The National Bureau of Investigation recommended filing criminal charges against her for inciting to sedition and making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family. These incidents highlight a troubling trend of high-ranking officials engaging in threatening rhetoric. 

Political Ramifications

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly denounced Duterte's remarks, emphasizing the need for responsible discourse, especially from former leaders. He stated that such comments are unproductive and could incite unnecessary tension. 

The incident has also sparked discussions about the boundaries between humor, rhetoric, and genuine threats in political speech. While some of Duterte's supporters argue that the comment was made in jest, critics contend that jokes about violence, particularly from influential figures, are unacceptable and potentially dangerous.

Conclusion

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's suggestion of killing 15 senators has ignited a multifaceted debate encompassing legal, ethical, and political dimensions. While the ambiguity of his statement may shield him from legal repercussions, the broader impact on political discourse and public perception is profound. This episode underscores the critical need for responsible communication from public officials to maintain the integrity of democratic institutions and the safety of public dialogue.

Defense Experts Urge Filipinos to Reject Pro-China Candidates in May 2025 Elections

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As the May 2025 elections draw near, defense experts are calling on Filipino voters to be cautious in their choices, particularly urging them not to support candidates with pro-China stances. These experts warn that such candidates could jeopardize the Philippines' sovereignty and national interests.

In a compelling interview on February 15, former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio raised alarms about what he termed "Manchurian candidates"—individuals allegedly backed by China who could prioritize the foreign superpower's interests over the Philippines' territorial integrity. Carpio pointed to the growing influence of China in the region and warned that electing officials who might be sympathetic to China’s agenda could put the country at risk.

"This election is not just about domestic politics. We are dealing with a nation that is actively attempting to seize our maritime zones and island territories," Carpio emphasized. "We must be vigilant not to vote for Manchurian candidates—those who are willing to do China's bidding at the expense of our sovereignty."

Carpio also shed light on the financial backing that pro-China candidates could receive, suggesting that such funding could lead them to advance China’s interests once in power. He underscored that those who undermine the Philippines' territorial rights or fail to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling should not be entrusted with leadership.

Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase Institute, echoed Carpio’s sentiments, emphasizing that upholding the arbitral victory in the South China Sea is essential to the country's sovereignty. "Anyone who disregards this ruling is disregarding the national sovereignty of the Philippines. Such a person cannot be trusted to lead the country," Manhit said, urging voters to critically assess candidates based on their track records.

Retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong also voiced his concerns, citing the case of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. Allegedly connected to Chinese interests, Guo became a subject of suspicion due to rumors of illegal activities such as human trafficking and money laundering. Ong warned that leaders with ties to China are compromising the future of the nation.

"A leader who favors China doesn't just betray the Filipino people—they endanger our nation’s future. This could mean losing control of our territories, witnessing the destruction of our maritime environment, and displacing our fisherfolk. Weak leadership has allowed China’s island reclamation projects to proceed unchecked, and our sovereignty is being trampled," Ong stated.

He further highlighted the dangerous consequences of such leadership, pointing to the infiltration of illegal activities like human trafficking and cybercrime—issues that have worsened due to the prioritization of foreign interests over the welfare of Filipinos.

International relations expert Renato De Castro also criticized the past administration's appeasement towards China and warned against allowing foreign powers to continue exploiting the Philippines. "This election is a choice between leaders who will protect our nation and those who will sell it out. Make your choice wisely," De Castro urged.

Recent data from a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase Group further underscores the growing public opposition to pro-China candidates. According to the survey, a significant 68% of Filipinos expressed that they would not support candidates with ties to China, reflecting the strong public sentiment against candidates who may put China's interests ahead of the Philippines.

As the nation approaches the 2025 elections, experts urge voters to consider the implications of their choices on the Philippines’ sovereignty, maritime rights, and overall security. The stakes are high, and the outcome could determine the future direction of the country.

*Based from a post of IMPACT Leadership