Vico Sotto: I won’t run in 2028

MANILA, Philippines —  For the nth time, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto yesterday made it clear that he would not be running for any position in the 2028 elections.

Sotto, who is on his third and final term, made the announcement following his oath-taking at the city hall.

“No more politics. I will not run in 2028. I’m telling you now,” Sotto said. “That’s why I am free to do what I believe is right.”

Sotto won by a landslide, receiving 351,392 votes.

Without naming names, Sotto called on his political opponents to settle their unpaid taxes.

“Those responsible for crimes must be held accountable,” he said. “Pay the billions in unpaid taxes you owe to both the national and local governments.”

Longtime government contractor Sarah Discaya, owner of the Pasig-based St. Gerrard Construction, challenged Sotto for mayor in the May midterm elections.

Sotto expressed his willingness to reach out to his political opponents.

Metro Manila mayors take oath

In San Juan, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo administered the oath of Mayor Francis Zamora, who was accompanied by his family, at the Filoil Center.

Zamora said he would focus on completing infrastructure and housing projects in his last term.

In Valenzuela, Mayor Wes Gatchalian was sworn in for his second term at Casa de Polo, with Court of Appeals Justice Jaime Fortunato Caringal administering the oath.

Gatchalian thanked his constituents for their renewed trust. He pledged to focus on inclusive growth and improved public services.