Vico Sotto: A Rare Gem in Philippine Politics

Sunday morning. I'm at the tennis court again, waiting for my daughter as she trains.

I decided to have my morning coffee and start writing while I wait. The air is cool, and the quiet rhythm of the court fills the space — the shuffle of shoes, the soft thud of tennis balls, the occasional voice of her coach giving instructions.

I take a sip of coffee and watch my daughter move across the court. She’s focused, steady, and determined — not rushing, just doing the work. Her training mates are the same, each locked in their own drills. There’s no noise, no fanfare — just quiet dedication.

It makes me think of Vico Sotto.

His name has been everywhere lately. On Threads, people are calling him the perfect running mate for Leni Robredo — some even say he should run for president.

I agree with them.

Vico is sharp, principled, and committed to real change. But talking about him this way — as if he’s destined for Malacañang — makes me uneasy.

Leaders like him don’t come along often, and putting him on a pedestal this early doesn’t just risk derailing his work. It paints a target on his back.

In this blog, I’ll share why calling him “the next VP” or “the country’s best hope” right now is a dangerous idea — and why we should protect him instead.

The Rise of Vico Sotto: A Leader Who Chose Substance Over Spectacle

Vico Sotto’s rise in politics felt different. While most campaigns relied on familiar tactics — grand rallies, catchy jingles, and celebrity endorsements — his approach stood out.

In 2019, he ran for mayor of Pasig City, challenging a political dynasty that had ruled for 27 years (Wikipedia). The odds were stacked against him, yet he refused to play the game the traditional way.

There were no comedy routines or song-and-dance numbers in his campaign. Despite being the son of Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes — two icons in Philippine showbiz — Vico rejected the idea of using his family’s fame to win votes.

“As politicians, we shouldn't underestimate the Filipino voter. I refused to make it a show. It was really about the message.” (Inquirer)

That message was clear — governance built on transparency, accountability, and meaningful change.

His victory wasn’t just a win for Pasig. It was a statement — proof that voters were willing to embrace substance over spectacle.

As mayor, he stayed true to his platform. Instead of headline-grabbing stunts, he focused on practical solutions grounded in data and public consultation (CourseHero).

During his campaign, Vico presented a Five-Point Platform — a clear roadmap for reform:

• Healthcare as an Anti-Poverty Measure: He prioritized accessible healthcare services and ensured medical supplies were properly funded (Wikipedia).

• Housing Programs: He promised informal settlers they wouldn’t be relocated without proper services and livelihood support (Wikipedia).

• Accessible Education: He simplified scholarship applications, removing unnecessary requirements that often discouraged students (Wikipedia).

• Public Consultation: He involved citizens in decision-making to promote transparency in government projects (Wikipedia).

• Anti-Corruption Efforts: He created a Government Efficiency and Anti-Corruption Commission and launched a hotline where residents could report corrupt practices (Wikipedia).

These weren’t just promises — they were practical steps designed to fix problems that had plagued Pasig for years.

In a country where political campaigns are often fueled by showmanship and empty slogans, Vico’s quiet yet determined leadership proved that voters are capable of choosing leaders who focus on what truly matters.

Leadership Qualities That Define Him

Good leaders talk about values. Great leaders live by them.

Vico Sotto belongs to the latter. His leadership isn’t defined by slogans or speeches — it’s shaped by consistent actions that reflect his principles. Five key traits stand out, each revealing why he’s earned the respect of so many.

Integrity

This is what sets him apart the most.

When a city hall employee — someone Vico personally recommended — was caught soliciting a bribe, he didn’t look the other way. Despite their connection, Vico had him arrested.

“Kaibigan ko [siya], ako po nagrecommend sa kanya na ipasok siya sa city hall, pero napatunayan natin, pinapakita natin sa lahat na walang kaibi-kaibigan dito. 'Pag may ginawa kang krimen, pasensya na.” (Inquirer)

It was a difficult decision — one that could have been swept under the rug — but Vico held firm. For him, accountability comes before friendships.

Empathy

While other local leaders poured resources into flashy infrastructure projects, Vico redirected funds to support urgent healthcare and social welfare programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He knew his city didn’t need grand statements — it needed real help. That meant ensuring hospitals had supplies and residents had food on their tables (JobStreet).

Visionary Thinking

In Pasig City, accessing public services used to mean relying on connections. The "palakasan" system — where favors dictated who got help first — had long been the norm.

Vico tackled this by shifting to data-driven governance. Decisions on resource distribution, assistance programs, and services were based on facts — not politics or personal ties (CourseHero).

His vision was simple: services should reach those who need them most, not just those who know someone in power.

Action-Oriented Leadership

When COVID-19 hit, Vico’s administration didn’t wait for national guidelines — they acted.

• Health workers were briefed early.

• Barangays received disinfectant kits.

• Sanitation facilities were established.

• Quarantine sites were prepared in coordination with private hospitals (Wikipedia).

His proactive approach allowed Pasig to respond swiftly, protecting residents when uncertainty was at its peak.

Humility and Authenticity

Despite his accomplishments, Vico avoids the spotlight.

He rejects the “hero” label, crediting his team for Pasig’s progress. His direct, no-frills communication style resonates with people who have grown tired of politicians who speak in riddles or spin words for applause (JobStreet).

His sincerity isn’t staged — it’s real. And that’s rare.

Lessons from Jesse and Leni Robredo: A Warning for Reformers

Admiring good leaders is natural. We see someone honest, hardworking, and capable, and we start to hope — maybe this is the leader who can fix what’s broken.

But in Philippine politics, admiration can sometimes be dangerous.

Jesse Robredo’s Story

As mayor of Naga City, Jesse introduced reforms that transformed local governance. He pushed for merit-based appointments, promoted transparency, and encouraged community involvement in decision-making. His leadership proved that public service could be done with integrity — no shortcuts, no compromises.

But even Jesse’s honesty didn’t shield him from attacks.

Despite his clean record, Jesse became the target of online smears that questioned his credentials and downplayed his achievements. Trolls painted him as incompetent and corrupt — tactics designed to weaken public trust in his leadership.

He remained focused on his work, but the attacks revealed a hard truth: even the most honest leaders aren’t safe from misinformation.

Then, just as his influence was growing on a national scale, Jesse’s life was cut short in a plane crash. His unexpected death left his unfinished reforms vulnerable, and the progress he worked so hard to build faced an uncertain future. (APU Journal)

Leni Robredo’s Experience

Following her husband's untimely death, Leni Robredo stepped into the political arena, initially serving as a congresswoman and later as Vice President. During her tenure, she launched the Angat Buhay program, which became the largest anti-poverty initiative under the Office of the Vice President (OVP). This program partnered with various stakeholders to provide assistance in areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development, impacting thousands of marginalized communities. (Manila Bulletin)

Despite limited resources, Leni's office received the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management systems, reflecting a commitment to transparency and efficiency. She also advocated for women's empowerment and human rights, continuing the legacy of integrity and public service that Jesse had begun. (Wikipedia)

However, her tenure was marred by relentless disinformation campaigns. Fabricated stories about her flooded social media, aiming to discredit her work. By the time her team realized the scale of these attacks, it was too late. “Correcting [and] fact checking are only heard in our echo chambers because there is already a separate reality,” Leni later admitted. “There were already cells created by the disinformation that we cannot penetrate.” (GMA News)

The Connection to Vico Sotto

These stories remind me of what’s happening with Vico Sotto. He’s already faced false claims, including a doctored quote attacking former President Rodrigo Duterte — a statement Vico never made but was widely circulated online. (AFP Fact Check)

It’s a pattern we’ve seen before. The more people praise a leader like Vico, the more vulnerable they become to these kinds of attacks.

This isn’t to say Vico shouldn’t be admired — he deserves respect for the work he’s done. But turning him into a symbol of national change too early risks putting a target on his back.

We’ve lost good leaders before — some to tragedy, others to relentless character attacks that drowned out their work.

If we want Vico to succeed, we need to protect him from that. Not by silencing our support — but by being mindful of the pressures we place on him and the risks that come with it.

How to Truly Protect Vico Sotto: Beyond Just Saying 'Protect Vico'

Saying "Protect Vico at all costs" isn’t enough.

If we’ve learned anything from recent political history, it’s that real protection demands action — not just words.

We’ve seen what happens when good leaders are left vulnerable.

Despite the tireless efforts of many Kakampinks, disinformation against Leni Robredo spread faster than her supporters could contain it. It wasn’t for lack of trying — volunteers fact-checked posts, engaged in meaningful conversations, and stood their ground. But the volume of false information was overwhelming.

It was a painful reminder that protecting a leader demands more than passion alone; it requires strategy, vigilance, and relentless action.

There’s also a lesson to be learned from Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters. For years, the DDS defended him fiercely — online and in conversations. But when Duterte’s leadership came under fire — when questions about his actions and alliances surfaced — many of those same voices fell silent.

Saying "We stand with FPRRD" was easy. Showing up when things got difficult was another story.

Both experiences — the Kakampinks' battle against disinformation and the DDS's failure to stand firm when it mattered most — reveal an important truth:

Protecting a leader requires more than just words.

If people believe Vico represents hope for better leadership, protecting him requires more than hashtags and social media posts.

Here’s what real protection looks like:

1. Monitor the News — and Be Vigilant About What’s Being Said

Smear campaigns often start small — an offhand remark twisted out of context, a fabricated quote that spreads like wildfire. It’s easy to overlook these things at first, but silence allows lies to take root.

Stay informed. Follow credible news sources and pay attention to how Vico’s actions are reported. If you see false claims gaining traction, be prepared to respond.

2. Expose Damaging Attacks Early

Lies thrive when they’re ignored.

If someone spreads false claims about Vico, expose them early. Don’t let damaging attacks linger unchecked. Ignoring these efforts — as Leni’s camp once did — allows false information to harden into belief.

3. Fact-Check and Disprove Misinformation

Misinformation flourishes because people repeat it without questioning it. Fact-checking may seem tedious, but it’s crucial.

When a fabricated quote or misleading story appears, respond with facts — and link credible sources so others can verify the truth for themselves. The earlier these lies are confronted, the less damage they can do.

4. Support His Programs — Not Just His Image

Vico’s strength lies in his work, not in being treated like a political idol. If you want to protect him, promote his programs.

Share updates about his projects, like the Peso Smart Financial Literacy Program, which empowers Pasig’s youth to manage money wisely (Inquirer). Encourage involvement in initiatives that bring lasting change to communities — that’s what strengthens his legacy.

5. Be Willing to Show Up — Physically, If Needed

Protection means more than defending him online. If powerful forces try to sabotage his work or unjustly target him, real support must extend beyond keyboards.

When public servants like Vico push for meaningful reforms, they often face pressure from those who stand to lose power. If that happens, be willing to take to the streets — peacefully but firmly — to defend the work he’s doing.

History shows that meaningful change happens when citizens refuse to sit quietly while good leaders are attacked.

Saying "Protect Vico at all costs" feels good, but it means nothing without action.

If we believe Vico represents hope for better politics, we can’t just cheer from the sidelines. Protecting him means doing the hard work — monitoring news, confronting falsehoods, supporting his programs, and standing with him when the moment demands it.

We’ve seen what happens when leaders are left to face attacks alone — even when they have supporters behind them.

This time, we must do better.

Conclusion: Let Him Lead, Let Him Finish What He Started

Vico Sotto deserves admiration — no question about it. His leadership has shown that change is possible, even in a system long dominated by corruption and political dynasties.

But admiration shouldn’t turn into pressure.

Conversations about him becoming vice president — or even president — are premature. They don’t just risk turning him into a target; they also pull focus away from what matters most: the work he’s doing right now.

If we truly believe Vico represents hope, the best way to support him is to give him space to lead on his own terms.

We’ve seen how aggressive loyalty can backfire. The DDS once believed they were protecting Duterte by aggressively defending him at all costs. But in doing so, they ignored valid concerns and overlooked questionable decisions. By the time public frustration grew, their once-vocal support had started to fade — leaving Duterte to face the consequences alone.

We can’t let this happen to Vico — or to Leni Robredo.

Protecting a leader isn’t about blind loyalty. It’s about honest support — defending their good work, challenging their mistakes when necessary, and ensuring they’re not burdened by unrealistic expectations.

If Vico decides to seek higher office one day, that should be his call — not ours.

Until then, let him lead.

Let him finish what he started.

Ko ko n