Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has credited his widely praised leadership approach to the enduring legacies and guidance of seasoned public servants who preceded him.
Speaking during an appearance on journalist Bernadette Sembrano’s YouTube vlog on June 11, 2026, Sotto opened up about the roots of his collaborative and consultative decision-making model.
The local chief executive explained that while he possesses an innate curiosity, his framework for governance was deeply influenced by studying successful domestic leaders, specifically pointing to the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and Senator Win Gatchalian.
“Well, maybe there’s also an element of just being curious naturally. But, beyond that, it’s really from what I’ve seen with other successful leaders,” Sotto noted.
When the host asked if these influences were international, Sotto clarified that he looked closer to home.
“Dito sa atin,” he said.
Sotto specifically emphasized the impact of Jesse Robredo, whose celebrated grassroots leadership style serves as a blueprint for his own community engagement.
“Looking at examples like, you know, Mayor Jesse Robredo before. Kung paano siya makipag-relate sa mga tao,” he shared. “I’ve never met him personally, but I’ve talked to a lot of people who knew him personally. Ang point ko lang naman, sinusubukan kong matuto mula sa mga nauna sa acumen.”
Alongside Robredo, Sotto revealed that he actively sought out Senator Win Gatchalian due to the striking parallels in their early political journeys.
Both leaders stepped into the mayoral seat at the age of 29 after dismantling entrenched political dynasties, leaving them to manage city halls staffed by personnel loyal to the previous administrations.
“So, halimbawa, si now Senator Win Gatchalian, naging Mayor siya 29 years old. I became mayor at 29 years old. Pinalitan niya matagal sa puwesto na mayor, ganon din ako di ba, 27 years [namuno] yung pinalitan kong pamilya. Noong pumasok siya sa city hall, lahat appointee ng kalaban niya. Noong pumasok ako sa city hall, ganun din,” Sotto recounted.
Faced with an initial bureaucracy closely tied to his political opponents, Sotto reached out to Gatchalian for practical strategies on how to navigate the transition smoothly without causing unnecessary workplace disruption.
“So I sought him out and asked him for advice, even political advice. Like, ‘How did you deal with these people na loyal sa kalaban mo? Ano ang ginawa mo? Nagtanggal ka ba? Kinausap mo ba? Paano mo kinausap?’” Sotto admitted.
Sotto expressed gratitude to Gatchalian for sharing his experiences, which the Pasig mayor found incredibly beneficial during his challenging first term in office.
Sotto famously made political waves in 2019 by ending the 27-year rule of the Eusebio family in Pasig.
Despite his enduring popularity and frequent speculation regarding his career trajectory, Sotto reiterated that he does not intend to run for a higher national post in 2028, stating his long-term wish to return to private life.