OPINION
Ed Javier
Vested Interests Against Vico Sotto: A Clash Over Clean Politics
Photo credit: Pasig PIO
In the complex landscape of Philippine politics, the pursuit of clean and transparent governance often meets fierce resistance.
Pasig City Mayor Victor Maria Regis "Vico" Sotto, a young and promising leader, has become the focal point of controversy, raising serious concerns about the motives behind the recent attacks against him.
Sotto’s commitment to integrity and good governance in the City has yielded significant achievements. He has been recognized internationally, being named one of 12 global anti-corruption champions by US President Joe Biden’s administration.
Locally, his leadership has resulted in billions in savings through his NO SOP policy on infrastructure projects and supply contracts.
In this context, SOP—Standard Operating Procedure—refers to the informal, corrupt practice of demanding kickbacks or bribes in public contracts, a practice that siphons off a portion of the project cost for the benefit of unscrupulous officials.
Generally, these kickbacks can range from a minimum of 10 percent to as much as 40 percent of the project cost
By eliminating this corrupt SOP and ensuring open, competitive, and transparent bidding for public projects, Sotto has redirected billions that would have lined the pockets of corrupt officials towards significant benefits for Pasig City residents.
These funds have been used to improve city hospitals, provide medicines, distribute mobile kitchens, and offer allowances, especially during the pandemic.
Notably, the savings have also contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the new Pasig City Hall and road improvements, as well as essential services such as students’ Wi-Fi allowances and providing tablets and laptops to public school students and teachers across all education levels.
Furthermore, Sotto has introduced a more inclusive approach to social aid. During Christmas, gifts for residents are delivered directly to their homes, regardless of political affiliation. Unlike previous administrations, where only political supporters benefited from city hall’s social aid, Sotto ensures that even those who are not his political supporters receive assistance.
This practice underscores his commitment to serving all residents of Pasig, not just those who support him politically.
However, this dedication to reform has evidently unsettled certain interests, making him a target for those who stand to lose from his transparency initiatives.
The recent graft complaint filed against him, alleging that he granted unwarranted benefits to a telecommunications company, underscores the challenges that principled leaders face in Philippine politics.
The timing of these allegations, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 elections, suggests a calculated effort to undermine Sotto’s credibility and tarnish his reputation.
As Sotto confronts these challenges, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications for our political landscape. The attacks against him highlight the obstacles that young, honest, and capable leaders encounter in a system where entrenched interests and corrupt practices are often fiercely defended.
If we allow promising leaders like Vico Sotto to be discredited, we risk discouraging other young talents from entering politics and driving positive change.
It is imperative that we support and protect leaders who embody the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability, as they are essential to building a better future for our country.
In the face of adversity, Mayor Sotto remains resolute in his commitment to serving the people of Pasig with honesty and dedication.
His unwavering stance against traditional politics and dirty tactics offers a beacon of hope for those who believe in a government that truly serves the interests of the people.
Sotto’s confidence in his supporters is clear. He has expressed faith that “old traditional politics” and “dirty tactics” will no longer work in Pasig, trusting that the people will see through these ploys.
As we witness the challenges faced by Sotto, we must reflect on the broader societal implications and the urgent need to safeguard and empower the next generation of leaders who will guide us and our children towards a brighter, more transparent future.
We don’t know Sotto personally, and typically, we refrain from defending politicians, as they usually have plenty of propagandists to do that for them. But in this case, we will make an exception.
Vico Sotto represents something rare in Philippine politics: a young, idealistic leader who does not fit the mold of the traditional politician.
We believe he is committed to genuine reform and transparency, and it would be a pity if his promising political career were to be prematurely destroyed by entrenched interests seeking to block progress and maintain their influence.
Defending leaders like him is about more than just one person; it’s about protecting the possibility of a better future for all of us.
Pasig City Mayor Victor Maria Regis "Vico" Sotto, a young and promising leader, has become the focal point of controversy, raising serious concerns about the motives behind the recent attacks against him.
Sotto’s commitment to integrity and good governance in the City has yielded significant achievements. He has been recognized internationally, being named one of 12 global anti-corruption champions by US President Joe Biden’s administration.
Locally, his leadership has resulted in billions in savings through his NO SOP policy on infrastructure projects and supply contracts.
In this context, SOP—Standard Operating Procedure—refers to the informal, corrupt practice of demanding kickbacks or bribes in public contracts, a practice that siphons off a portion of the project cost for the benefit of unscrupulous officials.
Generally, these kickbacks can range from a minimum of 10 percent to as much as 40 percent of the project cost
By eliminating this corrupt SOP and ensuring open, competitive, and transparent bidding for public projects, Sotto has redirected billions that would have lined the pockets of corrupt officials towards significant benefits for Pasig City residents.
These funds have been used to improve city hospitals, provide medicines, distribute mobile kitchens, and offer allowances, especially during the pandemic.
Notably, the savings have also contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the new Pasig City Hall and road improvements, as well as essential services such as students’ Wi-Fi allowances and providing tablets and laptops to public school students and teachers across all education levels.
Furthermore, Sotto has introduced a more inclusive approach to social aid. During Christmas, gifts for residents are delivered directly to their homes, regardless of political affiliation. Unlike previous administrations, where only political supporters benefited from city hall’s social aid, Sotto ensures that even those who are not his political supporters receive assistance.
This practice underscores his commitment to serving all residents of Pasig, not just those who support him politically.
However, this dedication to reform has evidently unsettled certain interests, making him a target for those who stand to lose from his transparency initiatives.
The recent graft complaint filed against him, alleging that he granted unwarranted benefits to a telecommunications company, underscores the challenges that principled leaders face in Philippine politics.
The timing of these allegations, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 elections, suggests a calculated effort to undermine Sotto’s credibility and tarnish his reputation.
As Sotto confronts these challenges, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications for our political landscape. The attacks against him highlight the obstacles that young, honest, and capable leaders encounter in a system where entrenched interests and corrupt practices are often fiercely defended.
If we allow promising leaders like Vico Sotto to be discredited, we risk discouraging other young talents from entering politics and driving positive change.
It is imperative that we support and protect leaders who embody the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability, as they are essential to building a better future for our country.
In the face of adversity, Mayor Sotto remains resolute in his commitment to serving the people of Pasig with honesty and dedication.
His unwavering stance against traditional politics and dirty tactics offers a beacon of hope for those who believe in a government that truly serves the interests of the people.
Sotto’s confidence in his supporters is clear. He has expressed faith that “old traditional politics” and “dirty tactics” will no longer work in Pasig, trusting that the people will see through these ploys.
As we witness the challenges faced by Sotto, we must reflect on the broader societal implications and the urgent need to safeguard and empower the next generation of leaders who will guide us and our children towards a brighter, more transparent future.
We don’t know Sotto personally, and typically, we refrain from defending politicians, as they usually have plenty of propagandists to do that for them. But in this case, we will make an exception.
Vico Sotto represents something rare in Philippine politics: a young, idealistic leader who does not fit the mold of the traditional politician.
We believe he is committed to genuine reform and transparency, and it would be a pity if his promising political career were to be prematurely destroyed by entrenched interests seeking to block progress and maintain their influence.
Defending leaders like him is about more than just one person; it’s about protecting the possibility of a better future for all of us.
Aug 19, 2024
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