by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Flowery words. Grand promises. “Ayuda.” Free services. Better lives.
Yet they remain unfulfilled. Same names. Same faces. Plastered across posters. Oligarchs. Dynasties.
I grew up in the Philippines, tired of seeing the same people run for office again and again. Nothing changes. No real progress. Just the same tired cycle, repeating with each election.
The country is led by politicians who are… traditional.
Or, as many Filipinos put it: TRAPO (traditional politicians).
It’s frustrating. It’s heartbreaking. And honestly, it’s infuriating. Even now, as I look at the Senate polls, I feel disillusioned and disappointed.
How can so many still vote for those who have failed us? It makes me question whether I could ever truly come back and build a future in the Philippines.
Will we ever break free from this cycle? Will we always settle for corrupt, self-serving, incompetent leaders—some of whom are even convicted felons?
And yet, in the midst of all this, there is one voice and one name that stands out.
Vico Sotto.
The young mayor of Pasig City. A leader who offers something rare in Philippine politics: hope. A leader who represents everything we’ve long been searching for: honesty, transparency, and genuine service.
In 2019, he did what many believed was impossible – ending the decades-long reign of the Eusebio dynasty in Pasig. He did it not with name recall or gimmicks, but with substance, vision, and integrity, and a sincere desire to serve others.
Yes, he comes from a family of celebrities and politicians. But unlike the dynasties we’re used to, he doesn’t rely on name recall. He doesn’t use his parents’ fame to climb the ranks. He stands on the strength of his values and work.
He doesn’t treat government service as a performance. He is transparent about city spending, ensures that public funds are properly allocated, and refuses to plaster his face on every project.
He attributes his administration’s accomplishments to the people of Pasig, not to himself.
Even the world has taken notice. In 2021, he was recognized by the U.S. Department of State with the International Anticorruption Champions Award – the only Filipino to receive it.
This is leadership. This is what governance should look like.
As we approach the May 11 elections, I urge every voter: Be wiser. Be braver. We’ve seen where blind loyalty to big names and pretty promises gets us.
Don’t vote for the familiar. Vote for the capable.
Don’t vote for the loudest voice. Vote for the one with the cleanest track record and the clearest vision.
Let’s follow the example of the people of Pasig, who took a risk on a fresh face and are now reaping the rewards: efficient use of tax revenues, public services reaching families, a city transformed and admired by neighboring municipalities for its efficiency and integrity.
If we truly love our country, the most important thing we can do is vote for leaders who serve selflessly, people who see public office not as a throne, but as a responsibility.
Vico Sotto’s brand of leadership proves that change is possible. That public service can be honest, effective, and people-centered.
That hope isn’t lost – it just needs to be protected, supported, and replicated.
I may no longer live in Pasig. I only stayed there for a year before moving to South Korea. But I am rooting for him. I’m praying that more leaders, not just politicians, like him will rise.
The Philippines deserves better. And with leaders like Vico, better is possible.
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