Vico: The David who slew Goliath
Grace Poe: “ Go Negosyo centers to support livelihood projects”
by baby k. jimenez
The amazing triumph of newly-elected Mayor Vico Sotto, who had just toppled a nearly three-decades-long reign of the Eusebios in Pasig City now becomes the modern day story of David vs. Goliath in pinoy politics.
“It may be accurate (as) Goliath had all the equipment, he was huge and no one wanted to fight him. Likewise, my opponent had all the machinery, all the money, and no one dared to fight him either. David stepped up and fought in a unique way…with a slingshot. We all know how the Bible story ends,” Vico said. “Everything ends, every empire, dynasty, regime.”
Vico is the son of entertainment icons Vic Sotto and Connie Reyes. A lifelong Pasigueño, he graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in political science and a master’s in Public Management. (He had topped the councilor race in his district in 2016 during his first run for public office. His signature achievement as city councilor was the crafting of localized freedom of information bill—the first of its kind to be passed in Metro Manila.)
The following is our online chat with Vico.
1. What was the biggest reason why you ran as MAYOR?
Vico: I ran for mayor because I saw the need for change in our local government, the readiness of the average Pasigueño for this change, and the absence of any other candidate to be the face of this change.
2. If you lost the elections, what would you have done?
Vico: my dad asked me, “Handa ka ba kung sakaling matalo ka?” and I answered yes. Things in politics are always unpredictable. When I filed, I understood the risk and was prepared to accept any outcome, but what was important to me was to give the people of Pasig City an alternative for a new style of governance — politics that is inclusive, without fear, and ultimately aimed at empowering each and every citizen.
3. Is this the start of something BIG – like does it occur to you that one day you might run for President?
Vico: I was elected to serve as mayor for three years and I should focus on this job. If I do good, they can reelect me. If I don’t perform well, they should choose someone else.
4. What are the 5 things you immediately want to do as MAYOR, why? Vico: The first thing we need to focus on is raising the level of our human resources and the bureaucracy through competency-based testing and training. Highly competent and motivated civil servants will lead to a more efficient government and higher level of services.
5. You are definitely working on the negativities in PASIG but which are the positive things that exit right now – I mean the right things that the former regime has done – if there was any?
Vico: Despite the reforms we want to implement, we need continuity in governance. There are good programs that will be continued, but just need tweaking. For example, the city’s scholarship program has been well-funded and has helped thousands of Pasigueños; we just need to change the system to reduce unnecessary/costly requirements and remove the culture of patronage.
6. You chose to serve the country instead of becoming an entertainment person – why?
Vico: Even as a kid, I was never interested in showbiz. I hated the spotlight. Instead, I was always fascinated with government and as I got older I became more and more passionate about good governance.
7. What have you learned from your mom and dad – which served as your motivations for good leadership?
Vico: My mom has always imparted her love and fear of God to me. She is my biggest influence in terms of my values and principles which guide me in my leadership and decision-making. People always say I have my dad’s demeanor. He is very level-headed and does not easily get excited or emotional (except when it comes to family). This is helpful to me especially as I deal with complex problems and situations.Next issue, Vico has promised us an extensive interview regarding the electoral protest filed by his opponent. “Wishing my opponent inner peace to accept the truth. I’m just here, ready to work with him for a smooth transition, if [and] when he’s ready,” Vico added.
We also did not forget to ask Vico why he’s single – he’s turning 30 this June 17. What about the rumors linking him to Maine Mendoza? Abangan.
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