Mayor Vico Sotto delivered an inspiring speech
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto challenged the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law Class of 2026 during their commencement exercises on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Quezon City.
Sotto is currently serving his third and final consecutive term as the 12th City Mayor of Pasig. The Mayor has been vocal about his plans after his term. Contrary to what many people aspire for him to run in the national level, Mayor Vico said that he has a different plan.
Just recently, the public servant inspired newly graduated law students with his views about leadership.
Based on the article in PEP, instead of a conventional graduation speech, he shared a candid perspective on the moral and emotional burdens of public service, offering a strong warning about the ethical choices awaiting them.
Sotto emphasized to the graduating class that their greatest obstacles will not take place inside courtrooms, but within their own conscience and character.
“Wherever life takes you, you will eventually be pressured by others or tempted by circumstance into crossing ethical boundaries, compromising your principles, and sacrificing your integrity,” the Pasig City Mayor said.
This came from his own experience. Since taking office as Pasig City mayor in 2019, he has actively advocated for honesty and transparency in the highly urbanized city, which now boasts an estimated population of over 860,000.
Through his social media post, the Mayor informs his consituents about his program, the developments in the city, including the services that people can avail.
However, he acknowledges that the constant battle against “traditional politics” was not an easy feat.
“You know, many times as a government official who has been trying his best to fight against the old norms, mga lumang kalakaran, as someone who has been trying to fight for positive reforms and changes in our government, I have to admit to you that many times, I feel frustrated almost every day,” the Mayor said.
He admitted that he felt a certain level of frustration. “And if I were to be completely honest with you, sometimes I do feel frustrated. A lack of hope. Parang ang bigat naman sabihin na hopeless. But the truth is, sometimes I do feel hopeless,” he shared.
However, facing the newly graduates, and looking at their glowing faces, he felt hopeful again.
During his speech, Mayor Vico Sotto also emphasized the importance of personal responsibility. He said that it is easy to call out other people and wrongdoings, because it is part of people’s rights.
However, he said, “Before we aim to change society and the entire government, maybe we should look inwards first. Let’s zoom in first. And maybe we should aim to better ourselves first. Sa Facebook, galit tayo sa kurap. Pero pag may exam tayo, nandaraya tayo.”