How a political outsider ended a 27-year family dynasty in Pasig
In short: Born to celebrity parents, Vico Sotto bypassed the entertainment spotlight to pursue a different kind of influence. By running as an independent, he dismantled a decades-long political stronghold, replacing traditional patronage with a data-driven model of transparency and digital governance.
Vico Sotto, born in 1989 to entertainer Vic Sotto and actress Coney Reyes, entered politics not through the family's media empire, but through local governance. After serving on the Pasig City Council from 2016 to 2019, he won the mayoralty in 2019, defeating incumbent Bobby Eusebio. This victory ended the Eusebio family's 27-year leadership of Pasig, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape.
Sotto’s administration is defined by his 'Big V' agenda, which prioritizes universal healthcare, education, housing, and anti-corruption efforts. A central pillar of his strategy is the move away from 'palakasan'—a culture where citizens must gain personal favors from officials to access services. To combat this, Sotto advocates for data-driven governance to ensure service prioritization is based on objective information rather than political whims.
His tenure has been marked by significant legislative and social reforms. As a councilor, he introduced the Pasig Transparency Mechanism Ordinance, the first localized freedom of information law in Metro Manila. As mayor, he has implemented digital governance projects, expanded social welfare, and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by mobilizing resources, such as raising ₱1.2 billion for student digital devices.
Despite his successes, his administration has faced challenges. He has dealt with opposition from established political figures and has faced legal complaints regarding procurement and tax waivers. Nevertheless, his approach—emphasizing public consultation and transparency in all government projects—has gained recognition from various civil society organizations and media outlets.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Vico Sotto
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