Ate Sarah sees victory in new friendships, promises help for Pasigueños

Pasig City mayoral candidate Ate Sarah Discaya extended her heartfelt thanks to supporters following her loss in the 2025 local elections, saying she gained more than just votes during her campaign.

In a Facebook post after the polls, the 48-year-old businesswoman and philanthropist said she considers the experience a victory in its own right.

"Sa bawat araw ng kampanya, sa bawat kanto at komunidad na aking pinuntahan — nariyan kayo. Kasama ko kayo sa paglalakad, sa pagdarasal, sa bawat ngiti at yakap na puno ng pag-asa. Kayo po ang naging lakas ko. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ako mas nakilala, mas minahal, at mas niyakap ng mas marami pang Pasigueño," she wrote.

(Each day of the campaign, in every street and community I visited — you were there. You walked with me, prayed with me, and shared every smile and hug filled with hope. You were my strength. You are the reason why I became better known, more loved, and embraced by even more Pasigueños.)

Discaya, who finished second in the race with 29,104 votes, ran against incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto, who secured a third term with 345,375 votes as of 5:42 PM on Tuesday.

“Panalo tayo sa dami ng bagong kaibigan. Panalo tayo sa pagkakaisa at malasakit sa isa’t isa. At panalo tayo dahil natupad natin ang pinakamahalagang layunin — ang makapaglingkod, makapagbigay ng pag-asa, at maipadama ang tunay na pagmamahal sa kapwa, kahit wala sa posisyon,” she added.

(We won through the many new friendships we made. We won through unity and compassion for one another. And we won because we achieved our most important goal — to serve, to give hope, and to show genuine love for others, even without holding a position.)

Despite the results, Discaya vowed to continue serving Pasigueños in need. Her campaign platform included proposals for more affordable infrastructure projects, expanded health services, and focused support for single mothers and vulnerable communities.

“Dahil sa totoo lang, hindi mo kailangang maging politiko para makatulong. Hindi mo kailangang manalo para magmahal ng totoo. At higit sa lahat, hindi mo kailangang nasa pwesto para maglingkod nang buong puso,” she said.

(Because the truth is, you don't need to be a politician to help. You don't need to win to love genuinely. And most of all, you don't need to hold a position to serve with all your heart.)

Discaya said her foundation, the St. Gerrard Charity Foundation, will continue its outreach and medical missions across the country.

“Hangga’t may pagkakataon, hangga’t may lakas — maglilingkod pa rin ako. Dahil ito ang panawagan ng puso ko (As long as there’s a chance, as long as I have the strength — I will continue to serve. Because this is the calling of my heart)” she said, adding that she remains committed to the people of Pasig and believes in “God’s perfect timing” for future endeavors.