Incumbent Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said on Sunday, March 27 that he will disallow demolitions of homes until basic necessities and services are met in areas for relocation if he is re-elected for a second term.
During a caucus at Barangay Maybunga, the mayor touched on the issue of housing, wherein families are forcibly relocated to places that have no electricity, water, and are distant from schools and hospitals or health centers.
"Darating din naman tayo sa punto na kailangan natin ayusin ang mga danger zones natin kasi ayaw natin na nasa alanganin ang mga residente. Nasimulan na natin magplano para sa maayos na programa para sa pabahay. Hindi pwedeng marahas, o sapilitan. Gagawin natin 'yan sa paraan na kinokonsulta at kinakausap muna kayo (We will eventually need to relocate people living in the danger zones because we don't want to put our residents' lives in peril. We have begun planning for an organized, efficient housing program. We don't allow aggressive methods or use of force. We will do it in a way where you are consulted and informed)," Sotto said.
The mayor shared that there are plans to construct a 600-unit housing building for households living near the Rizal floodway.
The city government also bought a five hectare land in Barangay Kalawaan for the purpose of relocation.
To the citizens of Barangay Maybunga, he also expressed plans to provide housing for those residing near the Maybunga floodway.
Sotto urged the residents to vote for him and his team in order to continue the projects he has been implementing since the start of his term in 2019.
"Hindi ko po sasabihin na perpekto na dahil malayo pa po tayo sa perpekto. Ang mahalaga ay tama 'yung direksyon na patutunguhan natin (I won't say it's been perfect because we are still far from perfect. What's important is we are heading towards the right direction)," Sotto added.
On the same day, Sotto with his team "Giting ng Pasig" continued house-to-house campaigning, in an effort to interact with voters in every barangay in the city.
On Saturday, March 26, they visited Barangays Santolan and Pinagbuhatan.