Vico Sotto promises not to run for any gov’t post in 2028

• Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto announced he will not run for any political position in the 2028 elections during his inaugural address

• He said the early declaration frees him and allows him to focus fully on doing what he believes is right during his final term

• Sotto is now serving his third and final consecutive term as mayor, the maximum allowed by the Constitution

• He reaffirmed his commitment to pursue reforms and policies for Pasig regardless of political consequences or popularity

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto made a bold announcement during his inaugural address on Monday, declaring that he will not seek any political position in the 2028 elections.

Now entering his third and final consecutive term—the maximum allowed for local chief executives under the Philippine Constitution—Sotto said his decision was made to allow him to fully focus on governance without the burden of political calculation.

“May mga bagay po na hindi ko puwede sabihin noong panahon ng pangangampanya kasi baka sabihin political motive… Siyempre ’pag political season, mahirap magsalita, sabihin pulitika lang ’yan,” Sotto said.

“2028, hindi ako tatakbo. Ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko na sa inyo. Kaya malaya akong gawin kung anong tingin ko ang tama.”

Sotto explained that not having to run in the 2028 elections frees him to focus entirely on public service and implementing reforms, even if they may be unpopular or politically risky.

He emphasized his commitment to continue pursuing the policies that have shaped his leadership—centered on transparency, good governance, people-first programs, and institutional reforms. Since his election in 2019, Sotto has earned praise from citizens and governance advocates alike for modernizing city operations, improving social services, and maintaining a clean, data-driven administration.

Though widely seen as a potential candidate for national office due to his performance and reputation, Sotto’s declaration effectively removes him from contention in the 2028 race. However, it leaves open the question of whether he might return to public service beyond his term-limited role as mayor.

Sotto’s move was seen by many as a refreshing break from the norm in Philippine politics, where incumbents often leave their next steps ambiguous or pivot to other elective posts. Supporters lauded his candor and his intention to prioritize principle over political ambition.

His term as mayor will end in mid-2028, and until then, he vows to govern with independence and integrity—“malaya” to do what he believes is right for Pasig.

Vico Sotto, whose full name is Victor Ma. Regis "Vico" Nubla Sotto, was born June 17, 1989 and is a Filipino politician serving as the mayor of Pasig. He joined the Aksyon Demokratiko party and was elected mayor of Pasig in 2019 and was re-elected in 2022. He was re-elected for his third consecutive term at the 2025 elections. His parents are actor-comedian-host Vic Sotto and actress Coney Reyes, with both of them supporting their son in his political endeavors.

Previously, Vic Sotto summed up his reason for not entering politics. In an interview with The Philippine Star, the veteran comedian explained why he’s leaving politics to his brother Tito Sotto, and his son, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

Meanwhile, Ara Mina believes Vic Sotto will not take her political decision personally despite joining the rival camp of his son, Mayor Vico Sotto. She is running for councilor in Pasig’s District 2 under Sarah Discaya. Ara said she only knows Vic from working together in the 2003 film Fantastic Man and has no personal relationship with Vico. She shared that joining Discaya’s slate felt like a sign from God leading her to public service.

Source: KAMI.com.gh