Pasig mayor Vico Sotto seeks institutionalization of reforms, new leaders

Incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto, who was proclaimed winner of the mayoral race in Pasig City for Eleksyon 2025, on Friday said he is seeking for the institutionalization of reforms and the development of new leaders during the last term of his good governance agenda.

"Kailangan na makasiguro na 'yung mga pagbabago, 'yung mga reporma, gaya ng pagiging bukas ng pamahalaan, 'yung mga mekanismo para sa pakikilahok ng taong bayan, ay ma-institutionalize para maging pangmatagalan siya, hindi 'yung dahil lang sa isang mayor," Sotto said in an "Unang Balita interview."

(We have to ensure that the changes and reforms, such as the transparency of the government, the mechanisms for public participation, are institutionalized so that they become permanent, and not just because of a mayor.)

"Ang nakikita kong pinaka-importante itong darating na tatlong taon at sa hinaharap pa, lalo na para sa amin dito sa Pasig, number one, institutionalization of reforms. Siguraduhin na magiging hindi nakasentro sa akin, kundi pang matagalan yung mga pagbabago gaya ng procurement reform. Kailangan maipagpatuloy yan," he added.

(What I see as most important in the next three years and beyond, especially for us here in Pasig, number one is the institutionalization of reforms. To ensure that the changes like the procurement reform, are not centered on me, but should be long-term. That needs to continue.)

Sotto said among his focus during his last three years will be on healthcare and education.

The Pasig City Mayor said he will also push for the training of new leaders and younger leaders.

"Hindi puwedeng isang magaling na leader, hindi puwedeng dalawang magaling na leader lamang. Kailangan mabigyan ng pagkakataon 'yung mga next generation of leaders. At 'yan ang pag-asa ng Pilipinas," he said.

(It cannot be just one good leader, it cannot be just two good leaders. The next generation of leaders have to be given a chance. And that is the hope of the Philippines.)

"Kung gusto natin ng tunay na pagbabago sa ating bayan, hindi puwede rin nakatingin tayo sa personalidad. Kailangan marami. 'Yung susunod na henerasyon po talaga ang magiging susi rito."

(If we want real change in our country, we cannot just look at personalities. We need many people. The next generation will really be the key to this.)

New city hall

Meanwhile, Sotto reported that the construction of the new Pasig City Hall is "right on track, as scheduled."

He said they are expecting the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction in July.

Higher government position

Sotto also maintained that he will not be seeking a higher position in the government.

"Itong nakaraang mga araw, talagang paulit-ulit 'yan tinatanong sa akin. Wala naman akong bagong sagot," he said, adding that he would rather focus on his programs for Pasig for his last term as mayor.

(These past few days, I've been asked that question repeatedly. I do not have a new answer.) — Jamil Santos/BAP, GMA Integrated News