Mayor Vico Sotto on Wednesday, Oct. 15, underscored that the local government is now capable of implementing well-planned, high-quality major projects without kickbacks—without corruption, as they broke ground for the P9-billion New Pasig City Hall.

Sotto led the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony. He was joined by Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, Rep. Roman Romulo, Engr. Isaac David, chairman of the Pasig City Hall Consortium (PCHCC); PCHCC President Nicholas David; and Architect Royal Pineda.

“Ngayon, kaya nang gumawa ng lokal na pamahalaan ng proyektong maayos ang plano, dekalidad, at walang kickback, walang kurapsyon (Now, the local government can carry out projects that are well-planned, high-quality, and free from kickbacks or corruption),” Sotto said.

He also described the project as Pasigueños’ very own success story of good governance.

“Ang proyekto na ito ay sumisimbolo sa ating pagtataguyod ng mga prinsipyo ng mabuting pag go-gobyerno. Ito na po ang ating pruweba. Ito po ang ating success story of good governance (This project symbolizes our commitment to the principles of good governance. This is our proof—our success story of good governance),” he said.

Sotto said the P9-billion project covers a total construction floor area of 72,405 square meters, which will house offices, health service facilities, and a large plaza. The contract amount also includes demolition, site development, IT infrastructure, interiors, and other related works.

In his statement, Sotto explained that the project was undertaken out of necessity, citing the structural issues of the old city hall building.

“Pero sabi po natin, kung gagawing na lang po natin ang proyektong ito, ayusin na natin, gandahan na natin. Kailangan pang-matagalan, dekalidad (But we said, if we’re going to carry out this project, let’s do it properly and make it beautiful. It should be long-lasting and of high quality). We have to make it that the new city hall is good for the next 100 years—that is the vision,” he said.

The mayor added that the project is not just about the building itself but also serves as proof that the local government has succeeded in many of the reforms and changes they have been fighting for since 2019.

The vice mayor also shared that during the soil testing conducted by the PCHCC, the original plan was to drill only 30 meters deep. However, when they found that the soil was still soft at that depth, they extended the boring and concrete piling up to 60 meters with no extra cost to the local government.

“When you have a leader that stands with integrity and stands for the truth, even the people working with you from the private sector will do the same and go beyond what is expected of them because they believe in the vision,” Jaworski said.

“As we break ground for the new Pasig City Hall complex, we are not merely beginning the construction of a building. We are laying the foundation or a vision. A vision anchored on grace, progress, and hope,” Architect Pineda said.