Faces of the News: Vico Sotto

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto was quick to put up measures that will ensure the health and safety of his constituents, since the President placed Luzon under quarantine and delegated some responsibilities to local government units.

But not all of his proposals were met with enthusiasm by the national government. He decided to allow tricycles to operate within Pasig despite a ban on all forms of transportation. He maintained that based on a risk assessment, the city cannot ban tricycles, which can be the only means to reach areas with emergencies, such as an elderly or sick patient who needs to go to the hospital.

Despite a public admonition from the national government, Sotto continued to receive praise for his ingenuity in responding to the health crisis. Some even trended #ProtectVico on Twitter, as trolls and bashers surfaced against him online.

As he acknowledged the public support he had been receiving, Sotto quipped: “I’m only 30, with no interest in your national politics.”

He also appealed for the public not to pit mayors against each other and to learn from the best practices of local governments.