On November 6, the Pasig City scholars had their General Assembly via the Zoom video-conferencing application.
With this, Mayor Vico Sotto left a remark that drew the admiration of netizens.
He said these scholars should’ve no debt of gratitude, especially to politicians because they are just using the taxpayer’s money.
Night with the scholars… Pasig City Scholars' G.A. (Batch 4)
Highlights:
– record # of 18,200 scholars
– pilot 50 Arts & Design scholars
– relaxed rules this sem because of pandemic
– cash cards under process.. w QR code (for PasigPass and prepation for future Smart City use) pic.twitter.com/fbstkaLh9z— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) November 6, 2020
The Pasig Mayor also said that though he appreciates those who sent a message of thanks to him, he feels uncomfortable taking credit from these projects funded through taxes people have paid.
Laging tandaan na wala kayong utang na loob kahit kanino (lalo na sa politiko) dahil pera ito ng taumbayan. Na-a-appreciate ko naman kapag may nagpapasalamat sa kin pero naiilang ako dahil di ko pera to.
Mag-aral lang kayo nang mabuti, sulit na ang investment ng Pasig sa inyo.
— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) November 6, 2020
Netizens praised Vico for this unusual act which is truly different from other politicians who take full credit from tax-funded projects.
Journalist Jeff Canoy wishes to send a copy of this message to all politicians.
Cc: Everyone in politics https://t.co/ZjPZZCQzdx
— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) November 7, 2020
Columnist Francis Baraan IV had a comparison between Vico and President Rodrigo Duterte, who labeled taxpayer’s money as ‘his’ money.
MAYOR VICO
"Laging tandaan na wala kayong utang na loob kahit kanino (lalo na sa politiko) dahil pera ito ng taumbayan. Na-a-appreciate ko naman kapag may nagpapasalamat sa kin pero naiilang ako dahil di ko pera to."
DUTERTE
"May pera na ako."
DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE NOW?😎
— Francis Baraan IV (@MrFrankBaraan) November 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/beta_cheeks/status/1324917388215660544?s=20
https://twitter.com/KiefLyislove/status/1324885331473178624?s=20
https://twitter.com/rugbrat/status/1324874182052651009?s=20
https://twitter.com/Surffyno/status/1324872711076683776?s=20
https://twitter.com/allicraevets/status/1324936164332113921?s=20
https://twitter.com/Xarea11/status/1324919988390559744?s=20
With leadership of Mayor Vico, Pasig's future is brighter than the Philippines'
PERIODT.
~flex ko lang Mayor namin hehe coz y not??? an EPITOME OF GOOD GOVERNANCE. https://t.co/rIa0iGxBdj
— vanie_fresh (@luv_neos) November 6, 2020
Not my Mayor, Politician, Vice President or President; @VicoSotto is my Leader. #ViviKo https://t.co/ewxfNpxQoW
— Florentino Hernando (@fahernando) November 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/_HALCY0NN/status/1324734439503454208?s=20
we’re blessed to be breathing the same air as you Mayor @VicoSotto , you really are an inspiration. God bless you always and the people that you lead. thank you for existing. https://t.co/lzvUYyXFDy
— #seokjinniefashion (@ArielPe05990254) November 6, 2020
The likes of Mayor @VicoSotto keep my hopes alive for the younger generation. Consistently smart, consistently well grounded, and consistently dedicated. https://t.co/8hbQMxf1H0
— NADiaz🇵🇭 (@nad0227) November 7, 2020
Patronage politics is when govt services are treated as favors that politicians give to ppl. It's rampant in the PH, esp among mayors. Kaya merong expression na "may pa-cake si mayor" etc. It's the first time I heard a mayor stand against patronage politics, and it gives me hope. https://t.co/R8cpU873Zb
— Angelica Reyes (@missanjreyes) November 6, 2020
He also has been consistent in reminding that the city projects are possible because of the taxpayers.
When he awarded Pasig Scholars who graduated with Latin honors he reminded them about the taxpayer’s role in their education.
We also reminded them that as the city and its taxpayers have helped them get through school, they should also find ways to give back to the city… whether through their time, volunteer work, or even helping other students when they become financially capable.#UmaagosAngPagasa pic.twitter.com/HXslnT4l1b
— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) September 30, 2020
Moreover, Pasig City was hailed as the best LGU to share best practices for the treatment of COVID-19 by the Department of Health.
These are just some of the evidence of how good Vico is as a leader. He should be a role model to every politician and remind them to serve with a heart and to walk the talk.
