Senators commend Pasig Mayor ‘Vico’

THE Senate unanimously adopted Monday consolidated resolutions commending Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” nubla Sotto who was recently recognized by the US State Department as one of the 12 “International Anticorruption Champions.”

Senate Resolution no. 657, introduced by Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid, was adopted in consideration with Senate Resolution no. 660, authored by the awardee’s uncle, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson.

In sponsoring Resolution 660, Lacson said Mayor Sotto has set the bar high in public service, noting that Pasigueños are “fortunate to have a leader who embodies wise thoughts, prudent actions and selfless intentions to advance the well-being of his constituents.”

The State Department conferred the award on Mayor Sotto as a standard-bearer of “a new generation of Philippine politicians who prioritize anti-corruption and transparency” in their election campaigns and in the office.

“This recognition by the US State Department bestowed upon Mayor Vico Sotto, the only Filipino public servant in the roster of honorees, meaningfully uplifts the morale and dignity of the Filipino people amid the challenging times of global pandemic,” the Sotto-lacson Resolution stated.

Senate President Sotto III lauded the mayor for accomplishing the things he did despite being relatively new in the political arena. The Senate leader added that the young mayor’s accomplishments are “truly impressive and laudable.”

In his sponsorship speech, the Senate President said Mayor Sotto’s “new and fresh perspective have led to many positive changes in the local government of Pasig City … like saving billions for the city government coffers as a result of transparent bidding, 140 percent in the increase in salary of health aides and the regularization of contractual workers who had been serving the government for more than 20 years.”

The Senate President said the recognition by the State Department “has brought optimism in a government where corruption is the norm and goodness and honesty are the exceptions.”

Undeniably, Sotto III said, Mayor Vico is “a true leader in words as well as in deeds,” adding that the young mayor exemplified the true essence of public service, which is selflessly serving others and not himself.

“To my nephew and godson, I already knew from the start that you are destined for greater heights. Your journey is still long and your tasks are many, if not endless. But with your current unparalleled achievements, I am certain that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish,” the Senate leader added.

The Senate Resolution acknowledged that Mayor Sotto: eliminated kickbacks in the awarding of city contracts and established a 24/7 public information and complaints hotline for the purpose; involved civil society organizations in budgeting and policymaking; mandated at least a 10-percent reduction in the value of city government contracts, a measure intended to reduce bribery in the contract awarding process.

The resolution likewise lauded Mayor Sotto for his proactive and innovative approach amid the coronavirus pandemic.