An Evolving Filipino Politics

I have been following the campaign of Pasig City Mayor and third-term reelectionist candidate Vico Sotto which began on March 28, 2025, and it is interesting to note that he might just be the face of an evolving Filipino local politics that brings hope to the nation. We will recall that Sotto broke Pasig’s political dynasty in 2019 and has since emerged as the symbol in our local politics of progressive, transparent and change-driven governance. With him we can say that a new kind of politics based on genuine public service, transparency and good governance is possible and slowing gaining support. He represents the kind of political will necessary for the political reforms we have all been aspiring for, and his leadership by example, alongside what our very own Leni Robredo has shown at the national level, can hopefully inspire others to follow suit.

Politics has always been the most challenging arena for reform that we have long struggled with as a nation, but glimpses of hope such as Sotto signals an emerging trend that may pave the way for change. Though traditional politiics governed by personalities and money has been deeply embedded into our system and cannot easily be dismantled, Pasig City is charting a different course showing us that prrogess si slowly being made. This is why the idea of decentralization makes sense, if we have young, future leaders breaking the old mold and creating a new model such as Vico Sotto. More efficient and responsive local governments can truly address the needs of the locality and its people, hence veering away ftom the poltics of self-interest into the alternative politics as a vehicle for service.

Naga City has been doing this consistently, and we have in the past years been awarded as Most Competitive Component City under the baton of Mayor Nelson Legacion.

The question is, if Pasig City and Naga City are ready for this change, how many other cities and municipalities are ready for it, as well?

QUOTATION FOR THE WEEK:

“A POLITICIAN THINKS OF THE NEXT ELECTIONS, A STATESMAN THINKS OF THE NEXT GENERATION”

– James Freeman Clarke

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

- Mark 10:42-45