Vico Sotto did more than ‘clean sewers’ in 6 years
- FactRakers
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Reelectionist Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has done more than “clean sewers” since first being elected in 2019. Official records show he also implemented initiatives for COVID-19 response, infrastructure development and education, among other programs.
This contradicts the claim made by Christian “Ian” Sia, a congressional candidate running under Team Kaya This, the slate of businesswoman Sarah Discaya who is challenging Sotto in the May elections. During their sendoff event on March 28 at the St. Gerrard Construction Office at Bambang, Pasig City, Sia said the incumbent mayor had nothing to show aside from sewage cleaning efforts.
Walang masama magyabang kung meron kang ipagyayabang. Pero kung ikaw ang ama ng lungsod na dapat lumulutas sa pinakamabibigat na problema ng lipunan, ang ginawa mo sa loob ng anim na taon ay maglinis ng mga imburnal sa Pasig, hindi kita papalakpakan (There’s nothing wrong with bragging if you have something to brag about. But if you’re the father of the city who should be solving the most pressing problems of society, and what you’ve done within six years is clean sewers in Pasig, I won’t applaud you). [1:10 mark]
According to the Commission on Audit’s (COA) Executive Summary Report on Pasig City in 2019, the local government under Sotto prioritized education through scholarship grants and workshops, and implemented regulatory measures on transportation and infrastructure.
In 2020, COA noted the city’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the distribution of 145,220 gadgets to students and teachers for virtual learning, financial aid and funeral services through the Social Welfare Assistance Center, free rides for healthcare and frontline workers and mobile markets and kitchens.
In 2023, COA recorded infrastructure developments such as school construction and renovation, street lighting installation and drainage system improvements.
Sia’s statement came a day after the peace covenant signing at the Sta. Clara Montefalco Parish, where he called Sotto “disrespectful.”
During the event’s photo opportunity, Sotto extended a “handshake” toward Discaya’s empty spot.
The signing is a preelection tradition in Pasig, where candidates pledge to conduct a fair and peaceful campaign.
Sia has also drawn criticism for making discriminatory and misogynistic remarks during his campaign sortie, such as offering to sleep with single mothers and mocking the physical appearance of a female staff member. The Commission on Elections issued show-cause orders in response, while the Supreme Court ordered him to explain why he should not face disciplinary action over his lewd remarks about solo mothers.
As of this writing, the video has garnered around 1.2 million views, 19,000 reactions, 6,500 comments and 1,100 shares. (AC)