Vico vows crackdown on tax evaders

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Monday pledged that the city government will “seriously investigate” companies accused of not paying their taxes, singling out a Pasig-based construction firm he linked to tax evasion and flooding in the area.

“Alam nyo naman siguro kung sino ang yumaman dahil sa ganong klaseng kalakaran. Yung maraming kumpanya na santo, alam naman po natin,” Sotto said during the weekly flag-raising ceremony.

The mayor, son of comedian Vic Sotto and actress Connie Reyes, assured Pasig residents that his administration will pursue companies evading tax obligations.

“Nabanggit ko nung inauguration 'yung hindi nila pagbayad ng buwis. They really have blood on their hands,” he said.

Sotto claimed the construction firm was responsible for flooding not only in Pasig but across the Philippines.

“Yung nakikita po nating pagbaha, malaking bahagi nila dito. Hindi lang sa Pasig, hindi lang sa NCR [National Capital Region], kundi sa buong Pilipinas,” he added.

He ordered the city administrator to investigate individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities and those who fail to pay taxes.

“Kaya City Admin kelangan seryusuhin natin 'yung imbestigasyon. Malaki na 'yung progreso natin pero kelangan ituloy natin sa tulong ating Sangguniang Panglungsod,” Sotto said.

“Kelangan talaga imbestigahan natin at least 'yung sa jurisdiction natin. Yun man lang ang maiambag natin sa national government. Kung ano yung mga nangyari within our jurisdiction, kung ano 'yung mga negosyo na nasa jurisdiction natin, dito nakarehistro, tingnan natin lahat 'yung mga kontrata nila,” he added.

Sotto said the city will also review whether Pasig-based companies are paying taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“Tingnan natin yung mga utang nila sa BIR, tingnan natin yun sa LGU, isa-isahin natin. Doon palang sa nakikita natin bilyon bilyon kada kumpanya pero minsan may declaration sila na zero post-revenue pero ang proyekto sa DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] nasa P10 billion to P40 billion,” the mayor said.

“Kaya ina-assure ko ang bawat Pasigueño na hindi natin tatantanan ang mga kumpanya na ito–ang mga tao sa likod ng mga kumpanya na ito. Walang pulitika ito. Sila naman 'yung pilit na pumapasok sa pulitika pero walang pulitika yung ginagawa natin. Sa atin katotohanan lang,” Sotto added.

The mayor’s remarks sparked reactions on social media, with some netizens urging him to move on and focus on working quietly.

Loida Distor commented, “Move on na mayor, magtrabaho nalang tulad ni Yorme,” referring to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

Another netizen, Arnel Solis, challenged Sotto to file formal charges if he had evidence instead of publicly accusing others.

“Ingay mo kung may pruweba ka demanda mo hindi yun puro ka daldal pati private company gusto mo pabagsakin ang negosyo ng tao. Kami Pasigueño hinahamon ka namin na magdemanda. Pakita mo pruweba, hindi yung namamahiya ka ng tao. Ugaling trapo ka kala mo malinis ang gobyerno mo, palibhasa lilisanin mo na ang Pasig sa 2028. May proyekto ka nga P9.6 billion na city hall, kalokohan na wala kayo kickback dyan. Wag kayo magpaikot ng isip ng tao, galawan mo puro ka bintang,” he wrote.