Mayor Vico reacts to rival’s arrest: "Don't fall for the victim narrative"

Published 21 Dec 2025 at 12:08 AM

by Glory Mae Monserate

3 min read

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto strongly condemned former mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya following her arrest by the NBI on December 18, 2025
The arrest stems from multiple charges including graft and malversation of public funds linked to alleged ghost flood control projects worth billions of pesos
Sotto debunked the couple's "victim narrative" by citing AMLC findings that allegedly show more than PHP 180 billion flowing into their accounts
The Mayor also rebuked Discaya for involving her children in the controversy, alleging that they were taught and used to facilitate illegal transactions

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Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto did not hold back in a scathing video statement released on Saturday, December 20, 2025. This came just two days after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested his former political rival, Sarah Discaya, and her husband, Curlee Discaya. Sarah, who ran against Vico in the May 2025 elections, is now facing non-bailable charges for malversation of public funds and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

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Mayor Vico reacts to rival’s arrest: "Don't fall for the victim narrative" (📷Vico Sotto/Facebook)
Source: Facebook

Sotto began his statement by expressing hope that more individuals involved in the massive corruption scandal would be held accountable. “Una, sana mas marami pang mahuli at mapanagot,” he said, addressing the public's demand for justice. He specifically warned the public not to be swayed by the couple’s claims that they are merely "small fish" or victims of political persecution.

Citing reports from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the Mayor pointed out the staggering amount of over PHP 180 billion that allegedly moved through the Discayas' bank accounts. He described them not as mere contractors but as “tagapagpasimuno” or masterminds who allegedly negotiated directly with lawmakers regarding DPWH budgets.

One of the most emotional parts of Sotto's message was his response to Sarah Discaya’s public plea about her children’s welfare. “Pangatlo, sabi ni Madam Sarah, ‘Paano yung mga anak ko? Huhu.’ Sana naisip niyo iyan bago niyo dinamay ang mga anak ninyo sa mga kalokohan ninyo,” Sotto remarked. He went on to allege that the couple did not just commit theft themselves but actively incorporated their children into the business of corruption. “Mister and Misis Discaya, hindi lang kayo nagnakaw. Tinulungan at tinuruan ninyo ang mga anak ninyong magnakaw,” he added.

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Sarah Discaya and her husband are the owners of St. Gerrard Construction and St. Timothy Construction Corp. The latter was notably involved in a controversial contract with the Comelec for the 2025 elections, which was later rescinded. Vico Sotto has been a vocal critic of the couple since his second term, frequently raising alarms about the quality and legality of their multi-billion peso flood control projects across the country.

While Sotto remains focused on the legal battle against corruption in Pasig, he also maintains a close and heartwarming relationship with his family, which often provides a stark contrast to the political turmoil he faces.

Recently, Pauleen Luna-Sotto took to social media to express her deep gratitude to her stepson, Mayor Vico, for taking the time to speak at her daughter Tali’s school. Pauleen shared that Vico’s talk on good governance left a huge impact on the young students, praising him for being a role model despite his busy schedule. The post quickly went viral, with netizens commending the beautiful and supportive relationship between Vico and his father's current family.