With the May midterm elections fast approaching, many are still wondering why incumbent Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has fewer campaign materials than other candidates gunning for a seat in the city's local government.
His answer: He's doing his part against "Money Politics."
On Tuesday, April 8, Sotto expressed his gratitude to all his supporters, especially those who have created their own campaign materials showing their support for him.
"Ten years na akong pulitiko pero wala pa rin malaking makinarya para sa mabilisang pagkabit ng mga poster at iba pa. Bakit? Choice po ito. I WANT TO DO MY PART IN BREAKING THE CYCLE OF 'MONEY POLITICS' (I have been a politician for 10 years now and yet, I still don't have a big machinery that will ensure that my posters and other election paraphernalia are installed everywhere. Why? Because it's my choice. I want to do my part in breaking the cycle of money politics)," Sotto said.
"Money politics ay kung saan gumagastos ng sobrang laki ang mga pulitiko para manalo — alam na naman natin kung ano ang kasunod nun. Ang pinaka obvious na naidudulot nito ay korapsyon (Money politics happens when politicians are spending so much to win or to obtain a seat in the government — we all know where this is leading and what's going to happen next. The most obvious is that this will result in corruption)," he added.
Sotto noted that a lot of competent candidates who don't have the financial capability for large-scale campaigning are not being given the chance to campaign effectively due to "money politics."
"Kailangan makarating tayo sa punto na ang 'best of the best' ang nauupo sa posisyon. Kung ganoon, siguradong aangat ang kalidad ng pamahalaan at gaganda ang mga tulong at serbisyo nito para sa ating lahat. Hindi na tayo mababaon sa politika at utang na loob... maitataguyod natin ang isang gobyernong maayos at tunay na para sa tao (We have to reach the point wherein only the best of the best are the ones in the government. If that happens, the quality of governance and public service will surely improve. We will no longer be indebted to money politics and to those in power. We will finally establish a government that is right and just for everyone)," the mayor said.