Corruption must be treated with disgust, not normalized – Vico Sotto

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto exclaimed corruption should be regarded with disgust and not be accepted as normal, stressing that Filipinos have long tolerated such practices in government.

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, Sotto said addressing corruption requires recognition of collective responsibility.

“If we want to fix this, kailangan aminin natin na at some level, all of us are guilty here. Hindi ibig sabihin, may natanggap tayo. Ibig sabihin, at some point, hinayaan natin. Pumayag tayo,” Sotto said.

He pointed to the controversy surrounding flood control projects as a moment of awakening for the public, saying it has made more Filipinos question unexplained displays of wealth.

“Napapaisip na tayo ngayon. Kapag may nakita na tayo na ipinagmamalaki ‘yung travels, luxury cars… Nasa yate nagpa-party… Ngayon, napapaisip tayo. Napapaisip na tayo,” he said.

He added that stories of success in the Philippines have shifted from being inspiring to being tainted with corruption.

“Dati, ang usong mga kuwento, from rags to riches. Ngayon, ang uso nang kuwento, from robs to riches,” Sotto said.

The mayor took a swipe at politicians who flaunt their wealth online.

“Sila naman nag-post nu’n online, ‘diba? So bigyan natin sila ng atensyon kung gusto nila!” he said.