Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, known for being one of the youngest local government leaders in the Philippines, continues to prioritize the fight against corruption and advancing institutional reforms within the city. In an interview with The STAR’s online show “Truth on the Line,” Sotto emphasized the need for robust systems and a shift in mindset to combat the deeply ingrained issue of corruption.
“Corruption is a problem of weak institutions and cultural acceptance,” he remarked.
Sotto noted that over time, corrupt practices had become normalized, stating, “For decades, certain practices have become ingrained and accepted. We’ve shown in Pasig that these can be challenged and changed.”
Believing that most public servants genuinely desire an honest government, Sotto pointed out that effective leadership is necessary to expose corruption and implement reforms.
During his tenure, Sotto and his administration confronted systemic corruption in the city. He revealed that a significant portion of project funds was being misappropriated by syndicates, with “around 20-30 percent – sometimes more – of project budgets were pocketed.” Through eliminating kickbacks and the ‘palakasan’ system, he demonstrated that transformation is possible.
Sotto credits leading by example as one of the key strategies in his success, saying, “This moral ascendancy allows me to hold others accountable without hesitation,” assuring that no funds have been diverted to his personal use.
To ensure that reforms outlast his term, Sotto introduced systems like the “Ugnayan sa Pasig” initiative. Launched during his first 100 days, the freedom of information (FOI) and feedback unit allows residents to request information and submit complaints, fostering transparency. Sotto explained, “While many requests are complaints or feedback rather than formal FOI requests, these insights help us understand public sentiment and improve services.”
Sotto also implemented structural reforms such as creating a Procurement Management Office to ensure compliance with legal standards and involving civil society organizations as observers during procurement activities. He emphasized, “It’s harder to do things legally and correctly, but we are training and equipping our employees to uphold these standards.”
One of Sotto’s proudest achievements is the increase in scholarship beneficiaries in Pasig, alongside reducing political interference in the city’s operations. “Removing politics from government work ensures continuity in service delivery, regardless of election cycles,” he pointed out.
Looking toward the future, Sotto plans to expand programs and improve the allocation of resources. “We’re now in expansion mode. For instance, the local senior pension program will include more beneficiaries. These programs are the fruits of the reforms we’ve planted,” he shared.
Now in his second term, Sotto is focused on finishing his current term and preparing for his third term if re-elected. He emphasized that his attention is firmly on his current responsibilities. “I want to focus on where I am now. After my term, I might explore other opportunities, but they’ll always be related to government or public service,” he affirmed.
Sotto aspires to leave a legacy of building strong governance. “Good governance isn’t flashy, but it is the bedrock of progress. If you build the right systems and lead with integrity, everything else – whether scholarships, health services or infrastructure – will follow,” he concluded.
