Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has continued his efforts to combat corruption and implement lasting reforms, serving as a model for good governance. In an interview with The STAR’s “Truth on the Line,” Sotto shared his administration’s achievements and strategies in addressing corruption and improving city systems.
“Corruption is a problem of weak institutions and cultural acceptance,” he stated, emphasizing the need to address systemic weaknesses and change societal norms.
Sotto pointed out that over the years, certain corrupt practices became ingrained in the system. “For decades, certain practices have become ingrained and accepted. We’ve shown in Pasig that these can be challenged and changed,” he said.
He believes most government workers want an honest administration but need strong leadership to inspire reform. His administration has faced entrenched corruption head-on, targeting alleged syndicates profiting illegally. “Around 20-30 percent – sometimes more – of project budgets were pocketed. By eliminating kickbacks and the ‘palakasan’ system, we’ve proven that change is possible,” Sotto revealed.
One of his guiding principles is leading by example. Sotto confidently shared, “This moral ascendancy allows me to hold others accountable without hesitation,” adding that not a single peso of public funds has gone into his own pocket.
To ensure the sustainability of reforms, Sotto has introduced systems designed to outlast his term. Among these is “Ugnayan sa Pasig,” a freedom of information (FOI) and feedback initiative launched within his first 100 days in office. The system enables citizens to request information and lodge complaints, fostering transparency and accountability. “While many requests are complaints or feedback rather than formal FOI requests, these insights help us understand public sentiment and improve services,” he explained.
He also established a Procurement Management Office to ensure compliance with legal standards, alongside inviting civil society groups to observe procurement activities. “It’s harder to do things legally and correctly, but we are training and equipping our employees to uphold these standards,” Sotto said.
Among his administration’s notable accomplishments is doubling the number of scholarship beneficiaries in Pasig while reducing political interference in government operations. “Removing politics from government work ensures continuity in service delivery, regardless of election cycles,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Sotto plans to expand programs and improve fund utilization to benefit more residents. “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.
Currently in his second term, Sotto is focused on his responsibilities, with plans to seek a third term. Regarding future political ambitions, he said, “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.”
Sotto envisions his legacy as laying the groundwork for effective governance in Pasig. “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.
