Senators had nothing but praises for Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
This, as the Senate adopted on Monday, March 1, a resolution commending the 31-year-old local chief executive after being recognized by the United States' Department of State as one of its global "Anti-Corruption Champions".
(Pasig PIO / File photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
Sotto was in the Senate plenary to personally hear and receive the Senate's recognition.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, author and sponsor of Senate Resolution No. 660, said that he would "not let this opportunity pass not to recognize a rare feat in public service."
He said that this was his first time to author and sponsor a measure honoring either a public or private person in his three terms as a senator.
"Pasigueños are fortunate that they have gotten themselves a leader who embodies wise thoughts, prudent actions and selfless intentions to advance the well-being of his constituents," Lacson said of Sotto.
"Pasigueños would easily agree that Mayor Vico's transformational leadership has easily made the city (Pasig) even more livable, laudable, and to netizens -- both young and old -- lovable," he added.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, the mayor's uncle,, also cannot deny his pride even as he refused to be the main author of the resolution out of propriety.
"Sana all taga-Pasig, sana lahat katulad ni Mayor Vico Sotto," the Senate President said in co-sponsorship speech, echoing statements from the public about the mayor.
Sen. Sotto also said the Pasig City mayor's recognition "has brought optimism in a government where corruption is the norm, and goodness and honesty are the exceptions."
"With all the negativities brought about by the global pandemic, this award has been a ray of hope not only for the Pasigueños, but all for the Filipino as well," he said.
In praising his nephew and godson, the Senate chief gave a touching message to Mayor Sotto.
"My dear inaanak (godson), I already knew from the start that you are destined for greater heights. Your journey is still long, and your tasks are many, if not endless. But with your unparalleled achievements, I'm certain that there is nothing you cannot accomplish," he said.
READ MORE: Tito Sotto praises nephew-godson Mayor Vico: ‘He is destined for greater heights!’
Senators Joel Villanueva, Sherwin Gatchalian, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Manny Pacquiao, Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Risa Hontiveros, Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also joined in commending Mayor Vico Sotto.
"Sen. Joel Villanueva: Mayor Vico proved that age is not a hindrance for change. Ang kailangan lang po ay taos-pusong hangarin na mapabuti ang ating sambayanan (That what's only needed is the sincere drive to improve the lives of our people)," Villanueva said.
Mayor Sotto, in thanking the US State Department for the award, earlier said he hopes that the recognition would raise awareness. The mayor also appealed for the denormalization of corruption in government.
All senators were made co-authors to the resolution.