Vico Sotto warns corrupt barangay officials in Pasig: ‘Enough is enough’

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto speaks before the House tri-committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. — Photo from House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines—Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto has issued a stern warning to corrupt barangay officials in the city, vowing to root out “old and corrupt practices” that persist at the local level.

In his official Facebook page, Sotto doubled down on the warning, posting the segment of his speech during his seventh 2025 State of the City Address Monday, captioned: “Enough is enough.”

“Since 2019, we have fought for better governance. We have focused on the city government. This 2025, we will fight against the old and corrupt practices in the barangay government,” said the mayor.

He said administrative cases have already been initiated against several barangay officials, while criminal complaints are currently being prepared.

In his speech, Sotto denounced the barangay officials who, he said, bragged about having a protector from the Commission on Audit (COA).

READ: Ombudsman probes COA exec over flood control link

“Don’t boast to me that you’re close to COA Commissioner Lipana,” said Sotto.

“We will do what is right in Pasig City,” he added.

Sotto was referring to Mario Lipana, the current COA commissioner who has served the commission since 2022.

Lipana was previously linked to a flood control scandal, following allegations that his wife—Marilou Laurio Lipana—was an active contractor for government projects.

The Office of the Ombudsman confirmed it is conducting an investigation involving the COA commissioner. /apl/abc