Dingdong Dantes was impressed with how Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto is leading the city to prosperity.
In fact, the actor is tracking Sotto’s career as a politician.
“Syempre nakikita ko at nasusundan ko siya sa social media dahil marami siyang fans, maraming humahanga hindi lang yung constituents niya.
“At sa nakikita ko kung paano siya sa telebisyon o sa social media, wala siyang pinagkaiba nung ininterview ko siya,” the actor admitted in a press conference for his Amazing Earth show.
As part of Amazing Earth’s 3rd-year anniversary which Dantes is hosting, he will feature Sotto in its Sunday episode.
When he met the young mayor, Dantes found out how Sotto emanates the real essence of a public servant.
“I think that he’s a really very humble public servant. He is very sincere. Kumbaga yung kanyang pagmamalasakit eh may talagang pinagmumulan at hindi lang siya lip service, ika nga.
“Match na match yung values niya sa actions na ginagawa niya. At talagang masasabing servant leader talaga siya,” pointed the actor.
He was even amazed by Sotto who, at the age of 31, managed to govern Pasig City and make it one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines.
“At nakakahanga kasi at a very young age, very clear ang kanyang pananaw kung paano siya mag-gogovern sa kanyang city.
“And I think that’s what’s happening kasi hindi mawawala sa pagpapatakbo ng isang lugar yung pangangalaga sa kapaligiran.
“At yun ang hinighlight namin dun sa kwentuhan namin na napakaraming plano para sa Pasig,” Dantes admiringly said.
Meanwhile, Dantes dismissed the rumors of him running this coming 2022 election. Despite being inspired by Sotto, the actor stressed that he has no intention to become a politician.
“Wala po. Wala akong plano sa 2022. Hindi yun ang pumasok sa isip ko. But it’s really more of a sign of hope.”
The actor also noticed how Sotto was being adored by his constituents. And once again, Dantes lauded the mayor for being a true servant leader.
“Na kapag may gantong klaseng lider, eh maeengganyo talaga ang maraming tao. Hindi dahil mas bata sya sakin, or mas maraming mas matanda sa kanyang pamumuno. He’s very inspiring dahil siya ay isang servant leader kasi ginagawa niya ang kanyang mga sinasabi.”
Vico Sotto’s brilliance as mayor
Vico Sotto’s aptitude as a mayor has led him to receive numerous awards during his tenure as Pasig City’s mayor.
Just this February 24, Sotto was honored by the U.S. State Department for his transparency as a public servant.
“Today’s award recognizes Mayor Sotto’s early work to bring more transparent and open government to the citizens of Pasig.
“I am especially proud that the Mayor was able to use his participation in a YSEALI Professional Fellows Program in Iowa to help advance transparency initiatives here in the Philippines,” said John C. Law of the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires.
In the same month, the Pasig City mayor was also lauded by the United States for being one of the 12 global “anti-corruption champions”.
Sotto also denounces political dynasties, making it his fuel to run as mayor in the 2019 elections. As a result, he was the one who ended the 27-year Eusebio dynasty in Pasig.
Watch the young mayor of Pasig City in Amazing Earth’s episode this coming Sunday, 7:40 pm as he unveils his eco-friendly projects for the city.
