Vico Sotto: Most public servants want clean government
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<div class="article__credits-author-pub"><a href="https://www.philstar.com/authors/1807689/mark-ernest-villeza">Mark Ernest Villeza</a> – The Philippine Star</div>
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<p>January 13, 2025 | 12:00am</p>
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<p>MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, one of the youngest local government executives in the Philippines, highlighted his administration’s battle against corruption and the strides made toward institutional reform.</p>
<p>In an interview with The STAR’s online show titled “Truth on the Line,” Sotto underscored the importance of building strong systems and shifting cultural mindsets to combat the endemic problem of corruption.</p>
<p>“Corruption is a problem of weak institutions and cultural acceptance,” he said.</p>
<p>“For decades, certain practices have become ingrained and accepted. We’ve shown in Pasig that these can be challenged and changed,” he added.</p>
<p>Sotto expressed belief that the majority of public servants want clean and honest government, but need leadership to expose wrongdoing and pursue reforms.</p>
<p>He detailed how his administration tackled entrenched corruption in the city.</p>
<p>Sotto said his administration confronted alleged syndicates illegally earning billions annually.</p>
<p>“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 said.</p>
<p>Sotto credited leadership by example as one of the most impactful strategies, stating that he can confidently say that not a single peso from public funds has gone into his pocket.</p>
<p>“This moral ascendancy allows me to hold others accountable without hesitation,” he said.</p>
<p>He also highlighted the establishment of systems to sustain reforms beyond his term, like the “Ugnayan sa Pasig,” a freedom of information (FOI) and feedback unit, which he launched during his first 100 days in office.</p>
<p>The initiative allows residents to request information and submit complaints, promoting transparency and accountability.</p>
<p>“While many requests are complaints or feedback rather than formal FOI requests, these insights help us understand public sentiment and improve services,” the mayor said.</p>
<p>Sotto also pointed to structural reforms, like the creation of a Procurement Management Office, which ensures compliance with legal processes, and the inclusion of civil society organizations as observers in procurement activities.</p>
<p>“It’s harder to do things legally and correctly, but we are training and equipping our employees to uphold these standards,” he explained.</p>
<p>Among his accomplishments, he is proudest of the doubling of scholarship beneficiaries in Pasig and the insulation of city bureaucracy from political interference.</p>
<p>“Removing politics from government work ensures continuity in service delivery, regardless of election cycles,” he said.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, Sotto aims to expand existing programs and improve fund utilization.</p>
<p>“We’re now in expansion mode. For instance, the local senior pension program will include more beneficiaries. These programs are the fruits of the reforms we’ve planted,” he said.</p>
<p>Sotto, now in his second term, is focusing on completing his third and final term, should he be reelected.</p>
<p>Asked about his future political plans, he emphasized staying present in his current role.</p>
<p>“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,” he said.</p>
<p>As for his legacy, Sotto hopes to be remembered as “the mayor who helped lay the foundations of good governance in Pasig.”</p>
<p>“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 said.</p>
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