Yesterday, July 1, 2019, marked Vico Sotto’s first day in public office as the new Mayor of Pasig City. The 30-year-old’s victory in the May 2019 elections over former mayor Bobby Eusebio, who ruled the city for 27 years, has made him a household name.
Of course, Vico was already enjoying celebrity status to a certain extent even before he joined politics. He is, after all, the son of TV host/comedian Vic Sotto and seasoned actress Coney Reyes, who gave their all-out support to Vico from the time he filed his candidacy, despite their initial apprehension.
In his inaugural speech on June 30, Sunday, at the Pasig City Sports Center, Mayor Vico relayed the story of how he told his parents about his decision to run for mayor.
“Naalaala ko pa nung una kong sinabi sa aking mga magulang na tatakbo ako para mayor, dalawang araw bago yung deadline para sa filing ng kandidatura.
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“Una ko pong sinabihan ang aking nanay. Kumakain kami ng hapunan. Sabi ko, ‘Ma, nagdesisyon na ako na tatakbo ako para mayor.’
“Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang mukha niya. Halos mabulunan siya sa sinigang na baboy na kinakain niya,” Vico recalled, to the audience's amusement.
It’s a known fact that politics in the Philippines can be very risky, especially on the local government level, so like any parent, Coney was understandably concerned.
The new Pasig City Mayor continued, “Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ni Mama, tinawagan ko naman po ang aking tatay. Sabi ko, ‘Pa…
“Sabi niya, ‘Anak, ano’ng balita, napatawag ka?’
“Sabi ko, ‘Nagdesisyon na ako. Tatakbo ako para mayor.’
“Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang sinabi niya sa akin...
“Ang sabi niya po sa akin…. [silence]. Yun po ang sabi niya,” Vico said in humor, implying that his father was speechless with his news. The audience cheered and clapped for him even more.
There was an outpouring of love and support from both his parents and siblings as they attended the inauguration. During the oath taking ceremony, Vico’s mom held the Bible on which he placed his hand, while his dad held up a copy of the oath for him to read. Throughout the photo session that followed, mother and son held hands tightly.
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Of the new breed of public servants, Vico is among those who are much admired for his stance on corruption and other controversial issues like the Freedom of Information Bill. People have expressed finding hope again in the future of Philippine politics with his victory.
Aside from his political views, Vico's good-natured demeanor and his good looks are also why many netizens are drawn to him.
On Twitter, the city mayor, who is an eligible bachelor, continues to interact with his followers very coyly.
When one netizen from Pasig requested through a tweet that the Mayor retain the city’s college scholarship project and addressed him as “Babe Mayor,” Vico responded accordingly.
Yes for the first year we will maintain the current funding and focus on streamlining requirements, processes. Pero next time na tawagin mo kong "babe mayor" may 500 peso penalty ???? hahaha
On a more serious note, Mayor Vico's first Executive Order was to suspend the Odd-Even Scheme that aims to ease the traffic situation in the city, to mark his first day in office.
In a tweet, he reiterated his firm resolve to fulfill his promise to Pasigueños. “I know the job will be difficult and frustrating.
Thank you, everyone.
I know the job will be difficult and frustrating. But with my family & friends behind me and thousands of Pasigueños joining me in this journey for authentic positive change,
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PHOTO BY @vicosotto/Instagram
