Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has declared that he has “zero interest” in pursuing a higher office in the upcoming 2025 elections, despite his name being among the top choices in a recent senatorial survey.
The 35-year-old mayor, who topped the first-quarter senatorial survey of 2024 alongside prominent national figures such as former President Rodrigo Duterte and ex-Senator Manny Pacquiao, clarified his position during an interview with ABS-CBN News. “Wag na natin pag-usapan yung mga ganiyan. Basta I’m not interested… I have zero interest to run for higher office,” Sotto emphasized.
When asked about potential political offers, Sotto mentioned that there had been some informal feelers but no concrete proposals. “‘Yung iba feelers lang. Wala naman talagang nag-offer pero siguro feelers lang yun iba,” he stated.
Sotto, currently serving his second term as mayor, reiterated his commitment to his mission in Pasig City, focusing on governance reform and public service. “We have a mission here in Pasig: To bring true, genuine reform; to fight for good governance,” he said, adding, “I believe that the mission is not yet done.”
Known affectionately as “Vico-ripot” (Vico cheapskate) among city hall employees for his frugal approach, Sotto has gained a reputation for prioritizing cost-effective governance. He once quipped about encouraging staff to opt for instant coffee over pricier alternatives, saying, “Walang masama maging kuripot pero mas gusto ko yung term na masinop.”
Recently, Sotto faced graft allegations related to the procurement of commemorative shirts and tax discounts for a telecommunications company. He dismissed these accusations as “politicking” ahead of the 2025 midterm elections and stated that he has yet to receive any formal complaints.
In addition, the mayor addressed the spread of viral videos speculating about his personal life, labeling them as “fake news” and expressing disappointment over the public’s susceptibility to such content. When humorously asked about introducing Pasig City’s first lady, Sotto simply replied, “Kapag mayroon na.”