Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance, saying it will not tolerate anomalous activities and will take appropriate action regardless of position, even if those involved are friends.

On Monday, May 25, Sotto said the city government will act on activities that run contrary to its principles across all offices and departments, sharing that two local government employees have been placed under preventive suspension pending administrative proceedings.

He added that several barangay officials have also been issued preventive suspensions.

Sotto acknowledged the difficulty of pursuing cases but reiterated his firm stance against corruption, strongly condemning the use of public funds for personal interests instead of community development programs, and calling for an end to such practices.

"Pinangako ko sa mga Pasigueño. Kaya kahit masakit sa loob ko na gawin ‘to, 'yung iba kaibigan din natin, masakit—mahirap (I made a promise to the people of Pasig. That is why, even if it is painful for me to do this, especially since some of those involved are friends, it still has to be done),” Sotto said.

“Pero walang mangyayari sa atin kung pagbibigyan nang pagbibigyan. Walang mangyayari sa Pilipinas. Nakita naman natin kung gaano kalala hanggang sa national to barangay (Nothing will happen if we keep giving in. Nothing will change in the Philippines. We have seen how widespread the problem is, from the national level down to the barangay level),” he added.

Sotto said one employee was found with substantial evidence of allegedly soliciting from a contractor, which he described as an unethical practice disallowed by the administration since 2019. He added that another employee admitted to acting as a fixer for clients.

He also noted that the City Legal Office is handling ongoing investigations and that preventive suspensions have been issued to several barangay officials, with related cases currently under review by the Blue Ribbon Committee.

The mayor further emphasized that such actions will never be condoned by the city government.

Meanwhile, Sotto clarified that preventive suspension allows investigations to proceed fairly and without interference and is not yet a penalty. He urged the public to remain fair in judging public officials by recognizing both accountability and good public service.

He also encouraged citizens to speak up against corruption despite fear, assuring them that the City Council handles cases fairly and based on evidence.