Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto appeared to take a swipe at certain wealthy business owners in the city who allegedly fail to pay the correct amount of taxes, as he addressed residents during his State of the City Address (SOCA) on Monday, October 13.
“We’re also pursuing various tax cases para sa mga, sa totoo, mas mayayaman na ayaw magbayad ng tamang buwis. Hindi na natin kailangan magbanggit ng pangalan, kilala niyo na po kung sino yung number one dito,” Sotto said, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd.
According to the mayor, the unpaid taxes owed to the local government are enough to fund the construction of the new Pasig City Hall, stressing how crucial it is for every business, big or small, to comply with their tax obligations.
While Sotto did not directly name anyone, many speculated that his remarks were directed at Sarah and Curlee Discaya, owners of St. Gerrard Construction Company, who are currently facing multiple tax evasion and corruption-related cases linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Sarah Discaya also ran against Sotto in the 2025 midterm elections, where the incumbent mayor won by a wide margin.
Sotto’s remarks underscored his administration’s push for transparency, accountability, and equal enforcement of the law — regardless of wealth or political connections.