Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto continues to champion transparency and institutional reform, focusing on long-term solutions to corruption and governance challenges. In an interview with The STAR’s “Truth on the Line,” Sotto discussed his administration’s strategies and accomplishments in reshaping Pasig’s governance.
“Corruption is a problem of weak institutions and cultural acceptance,” Sotto said, emphasizing the importance of addressing structural flaws and changing entrenched practices.
“For decades, certain practices have become ingrained and accepted. We’ve shown in Pasig that these can be challenged and changed,” he added, reflecting on the shift his administration has pursued since taking office.
Sotto noted that the majority of public servants aspire to work with integrity but need leaders who can challenge wrongdoing and initiate reforms. He detailed how his administration dismantled entrenched corruption, including syndicates that had siphoned billions annually from public projects. “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,” he revealed.
Central to Sotto’s leadership style is leading by example. “This moral ascendancy allows me to hold others accountable without hesitation,” he shared, adding that no public funds have ever been misused under his administration.
To ensure reforms are sustained, Sotto introduced initiatives like “Ugnayan sa Pasig,” a freedom of information (FOI) and feedback system launched in his first 100 days as mayor. The program allows citizens to request information and share feedback, fostering greater transparency and public trust. “While many requests are complaints or feedback rather than formal FOI requests, these insights help us understand public sentiment and improve services,” he explained.
Other reforms include the creation of a Procurement Management Office to ensure compliance with legal standards and the involvement of civil society groups in 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.
One of his administration’s proudest achievements is doubling the number of scholarship beneficiaries in Pasig while insulating government operations from political interference. “Removing politics from government work ensures continuity in service delivery, regardless of election cycles,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Sotto plans to expand existing programs, including a senior pension initiative set to benefit more residents. “We’re now in expansion mode. These programs are the fruits of the reforms we’ve planted,” he said.
Currently serving his second term, Sotto is focused on completing his ongoing projects and preparing for a possible third term. When asked about his political future, he remarked, “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.”
As for his legacy, Sotto hopes to be remembered as the mayor who laid the foundation for good 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.
