Vico Sotto wins 3rd term, eyes long-term reform in Pasig

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto is beaming with pride and gratitude after securing a landslide victory in the midterm elections, winning a third consecutive term as the city’s top official.

As of 2:32 a.m. on 13 May, Sotto garnered 286,289 votes—an overwhelming lead over his opponent, Sara Discaya, who received 24,151 votes.

In a phone interview with GMA News on Tuesday morning, Sotto expressed his appreciation to those who placed their trust in him, as well as to his running mates who also won their respective races.

“Malaking tulong po na buong slate ang kasama natin sa City ng Pasig dahil ito ang mga taong kapareho natin ng prinsipyo, naniniwala doon sa direksyon natin ngayon sa Pasig at magiging mas madali mag-implement ng mga programs, projects, and services. But above all, our focus this term is making sure that the reforms and changes we introduced in the last six years will be institutionalized in the next three years. We will ensure that the changes—from opening up the government to the procurement reforms we implemented—won’t revolve around just one person. These reforms should be long-term and sustainable,” Sotto said.

(It’s a huge help that our entire slate in Pasig City won because these are people who share our principles, who believe in the direction we're taking in Pasig. It will make it easier to implement our programs, projects, and services. But above all, our focus this term is to ensure that the reforms and changes we've introduced over the past six years are institutionalized in the next three. We will make sure these changes—from opening up the government to the procurement reforms we put in place—won’t depend on just one person. These reforms need to be long-term and sustainable.)

When asked about the possibility of his opponents filing a protest, Sotto responded candidly:

“Hindi po ako magugulat. Ganun naman po ata ang mga style ng iba kasi nitong campaign lahat ng tactics, lahat ng posibleng gawin ay ginawa nila e. Bilyon ata ang nagastos ng mga ito, so tignan na lang po natin.”

(I won’t be surprised. That’s how some people operate. During the campaign, they used every tactic possible—whatever could be done, they did it. I think they spent billions. So, we’ll just wait and see.)

Sotto was also asked to comment on his father Vic Sotto’s earlier remark during a campaign rally, hinting that the younger Sotto might be ready to pursue a higher national position in the future. In response, the mayor downplayed the idea, reiterating that his current focus is on institutionalizing the reforms and good governance practices he has initiated in Pasig.

“Sa totoo nga po, naiinis po ako sa tatay ko,” he admitted. “Hindi ko naman po maawat kasi ama ko 'yun e, hindi ko pwedeng pagsabihan. Like I’ve said, our focus is on making reforms long-lasting because I know there’s no ‘forever’ in politics or in life. For me, success means that in our LGU, it becomes easier to do good, easier to do what is right, and harder to be corrupt. The programs, projects, and services will follow—as we’ve seen over the past six years. First things first, and that’s what we’re going to focus on—not future positions, just the work at hand.”

(Honestly, I do get annoyed with my father sometimes. I can’t stop him because, well, he’s my dad. I can’t tell him what to do. But like I’ve said, our focus must be on making reforms long-lasting, because I know there’s no forever in politics or in life. Nothing lasts forever. So for me, success in this term means that in our LGU, it becomes easier to do good, easier to do what’s right, and harder to be corrupt. The programs, projects, and services will naturally follow—as we’ve seen over the last six years. First things first, and that will be our focus—not whatever position we might be thinking of. That’s not the priority. The priority is doing the work.)