Vico Sotto III is Old Enough to Be Senator in 2025
Analysis and Opinion
By Joe America
I thought about entitling this article “Young Movers and Shakers in the Philippines” but I couldn’t really think of any, other than Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto III.
The Philippines is led around by old people, in the main. Too many dynastic barons and snakes who couldn’t find food in a forest. Young Mark Villar is 45. Bong Go is 50. Robin the Hood is 54. President Marcos is 66.
Even the good are old. Leni Robredo is 59. The Left is led by the same curmudgeons who were around when the dinosaurs were. Risa Hontiveros is 58. The youngest is Bam Aquino who is 47. He’s running for senator in 2025, and that’s excellent.
Vico Sotto is 35 and boy does the nation need new oil.
That’s the problem with a nation of impunity and privilege. Young people have no portfolio. Political parties do not really develop new stars. Old ones just move to the front of the line, the same as in business where “careers” is a foreign word and privilege dictates who gets the power and riches. Not competence.
To change the mold you have to break the old one.
Time moves fast, the Philippines slow. That’s the mold that needs to be broken.
Even Vico Sotto knows this is hard, as he said in this 2019 article. Vico Sotto writes honest, eye-opening essay on introducing change in ‘bureaucratic, rigid’ government
Without question, the Philippines needs movers and shakers. Young ones preferred.
The Young Mayor talked about change again in 2021. ‘Push for change’ Mayor Vico urges nation’s young leaders.
The question is, I suppose, does he just want to talk about change, or lead it? The nation needs some good sharks. Hungry ones. Ambitious ones with good values. Is he one? A driver? An organizer? Or is he happy with a big job as Mayor.
As mayor, he can change one city. As a senator, he could change hundreds.
I hear Leni Robredo will run for local office, too. That’s the nation’s loss, I think. She’s not youthful, but she is dynamic.
If you have names of youthful leaders with potential, kindly introduce them in the discussion section below. Sharks preferred. Good ones.
___________________
Cover photo from Journal Online. See link to article above.
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[…] Sotto and Florin Hilbay left the party. Vico Sotto is the sterling Mayor of Pasig City (see “Vico Sotto III is old enough to be senator in 2025“). Florin Hilbay was Solicitor General under President Noynoy […]
The Society of Honor by Joe America 
Hi Joe. It’s me once again. While I am also rooting for Vico Sotto to take on the challenge of national leadership, I also think that what is critical in a leadership position is the moral grounding of a personality, e.g., love of country, visionary, integrity, pro-masses, etc. Yes, Mayor Vico Sotto is a breed apart from the rest of our current political leaders. But I theorize that his leadership skills and wisdom are not only attributable to his young age but is rooted in his upbringing (courtesy of his mother Ms. Coney Reyes) and education (courtesy of Ateneo) in spite of the familial presence of former senator Tito Sotto. My 25 cents worth of opinion. All the best Joe.
Yes, character counts. And age is actually irrelevant.
I have a feeling that the senate is not where you would want to be to build a national profile. Tulfo is only presidential material because he is the number 1 YouTuber in the country. Master media mayor vico and stay in the safe confines of Pasig Politics
Yes, that’s a good point. The Senate is covered on TV here and there, but it’s not a launching platform in itself. Senator Aquino became President Aquino because of the popularity of his mother, not for what he did in the Senate. But if Mayor Sotto and others of high character do not seek higher office, those higher positions will get filled with the privileged and the popular, not the competent. And nothing will change.
You can’t change by staying the same.
it’s probly a mixed baq of carrots, a stunted among the lot. heto, he got elected despite being allegedly inaccessible. and to think he has three sons all under 30yrs of age and following him into politics. if they’ll set the standard of what’s in store, god help us all!
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/marcos-jr-second-year-inaccessible-president/
if mayor vico sotto is not confident enough to go for higher office, he can campaign for his kapartido/s who are running for senate seat. I mean, really campaign not only giving wholeheartedly his heart and soul to it but to lend his voice and presence as well. that is if vico sotto is brave enough to face the consequences that if his candidate/s failed, he could very well be ostracized and his mayoralty budget cut to the barest minimum.
as well, we can all join in the campaign to stop the incompetents from gaining higher office.
That actually reminds me, he did not support Leni because it would have put him at odds with his political relationship with, ummm, I think, the Manila Mayor. So he chose silent neutrality. Very disappointing.
in november 2022, vico sotto resigned from aksyon demokratiko political party. he may redeem himself come 2028 election and align with the party whose ideologies suit him best.
https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/12/mayor-vico-becomes-mayors-4-good-governance-co-convener
mayor vico sotto has been busy!
Good to know. Thanks.
He conducted an interview with the wrong Aussie journalist and she made like a shark going for his corruption heritage. I think he got burned so badly he is now afraid of unscripted press conferences. On the other hand, his speech writers are excellent, so that’s now his style. I’m not troubled by it. It actually preserves his, and the Philippines’, reputations. Vs being a blundering idiot.
burned? he cant be! he has 30million voters behind him, that should salve his soul, wounded or not. plus he has tight security around him, an impenetrable ring of steel. and double plus again as he rated highly at surveys and continues to rate high.
though lots of filipinos journalist were probly high fiving the abc journalist for getting one on one with pbbm.
but as they said, after duterte, the philippines reputation cannot get any lower. and now with tension in west phil sea, the world is open mouthed, agaped and captivated by the sheer gumption of filipinos against overwhelming odds. not deterred vs the superpower that is china!
and what can china say but belittle the efforts of filipinos, that we are brawnless pawns of estados unidos. I bet china wishes we be their pawns instead! with less love for our country but mucho love for china motherland.
I am thankful for the frequent article posting Joe.
Wil has another one following this.
I’m enjoying getting back in the groove. Good that Will is posting, too.
From Sonny
Karl, Joe’s blogpost (THE CLOCK IS TICKING …) of. June 24, was quoted ‘in toto’ in my San Beda n Ateneo viber groups. Go, Joe n TSOH!!
Good to know, thanks.
I agree Vico Sotto is the best. Joeam, may I introduce our town mayor for three terms from 2013 to 2022? He is a lawyer, also an Atenean. I like to say even now that he is our municipal administrator, he is an action man. During his term, Cainta has been the richest and best town in the Philippines. One could personally approach him for help in any aspect and he is so accommodating. Cainta, Rizal has improved a lot during his term. He is 55 years old. In my opinion, he is better than those some senators at the moment. People of Rizal are urging him to run as governor.
He is Atty. Kit Nieto.
Thank you for the introduction. Atty Kit Nieto. So noted. My wife was born in Cainta, Rizal, interestingly enough, but was only there as an infant.
pls post picture of kit nieto, so if I meet him in the street, I’ll say hi. that is if he is not afraid of strangers saying hi to him. thanks.
He is “googable”.
https://www.google.com/search?q=kit+nieto&oq=kit+nieto&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCggGEAAYgAQYogTSAQg0NzI3ajBqNKgCDrACAQ&client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
Haha! We should make that an official dictionary word. He is googable. Love it! 🤣😂🤣
Hahaha
it’s just a bust of kit neito I wanted, ang ilap pala!
just wanted to see his eyes the windows of his soul. wanted to see his facial landmarks too, the protuberances, the dips and upswings, wanted to read his face like many of those that dabble on the study of faces. but no problem. I’ll study paolo roxas face instead.
Sculpture via poetry.
I am rooting for Vico,
If he stays in Pasig then he will be like Sara Duterte as in the Mayor to VP path.Not transfom into her character. That is bad news!
Right. There are certainly paths other than through the Senate. I hope he broadens his influence.
I asked ChatGPT just now (07/01/2024):
Can you list the last ten articles of the blog site, joeam.com and make a five sentence summary?
Here are the last ten articles from the blog site JoeAm.com, along with a summary of their content:
Ranking the Greatest Philippine Presidents: What Criteria to Use?
Friendship: How Filipinos Do It Best
The Filipino Sense of Time
Filipino Ethics: Inside Out
We Are A Maritime Nation
The Foundations of Patriotism
Reflections After Shogun
The Family Code: Insights into Filipino Culture
The American Presidential Election and the Philippines
Filipino Elites and National Dysfunction
Summary:
The blog discusses the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and legacy of Philippine presidents, debating their policies and impact on the nation.
It highlights the unique and strong bonds of friendship in Filipino culture, emphasizing community and shared experiences.
The article delves into the concept of “Filipino time,” exploring why Filipinos often have a relaxed attitude towards punctuality, attributing it to cultural and situational factors.
Filipino ethics are examined, with a focus on the influence of religion and traditional values on moral behavior and societal expectations.
The maritime nature of the Philippines is explored, reflecting on its historical and strategic significance in global trade and defense.
Patriotism in the Philippines is discussed, emphasizing the need for genuine commitment to community and national progress.
The article reflects on the historical impact of foreign influences on the Philippines, comparing different potential outcomes had historical events played out differently.
Insights into Filipino family culture and laws are provided, discussing the balance between mandated support and voluntary familial care.
The implications of the American presidential election on the Philippines are analyzed, particularly in terms of foreign policy and bilateral relations.
The blog critiques the role of Filipino elites in perpetuating national dysfunction, calling for greater accountability and systemic change.
These articles offer a deep dive into various aspects of Filipino society, politics, and culture, reflecting the blog’s commitment to thoughtful analysis and discussion on issues affecting the Philippines. For more details, you can visit JoeAm.com.
How about Raoul Manuel, the current Kabataan partylist representative in Congress? He makes a lot of sense and has an impressive social activism background.
Another one is Raffy Magno, the Executive Director of Angat Buhay. He has a proven leadership track record, is a great community organizer and an accomplished policy/program developer.
Also look at those young professionals who volunteered and worked for PNoy and exVP Leni. They are smart and have their heart in the right place.
they must put their hands up and say, I’m available, try me! the concept is probly horrifying for the uninitiated, suddenly finding themselves the center of media storm, being scrutinised from the top of their heads down to the bottoms of their feet. kudos if they can weather the storm, accept the constant scrutiny and summat the loss of their personal privacy, the strength and resolution to go unscathed and unchanged, but braver and more determined to serve for the common good.
Excellent, JP. I like the credentials. Raffy Magno’s work at Angat Buhay is the kind of business-minded organization that is so rare in government. He could slot into any agency and invigorate it. I don’t know Raoul Manuel, but will keep an eye out. I’d note that Leni’s Atty Gutierrez is very outspoken on X. He’d make a great senator.
RE: Raoul Manuel
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Manuel
Thanks. A smart “kid” age 29, who is pro-people. Terrific upside potential. Thanks for the brief.
rep raoul manuel is I think in conflict with senator bato de la rosa coz bato is snubbing the brat! wont answer to the brat and wont attend house inquiry as regards ejks. two wonts wont make a right and bato is apparently following escudero’s advice of no show.
another young ‘un’ to watch out for, paolo roxas, son of mar roxas.
https://politiko.com.ph/2024/02/17/roxas-revival-mars-son-sparks-rumors-of-2025-run/features/
Ah, very good, K. Excellent addition to the list of potential young bloods.
https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2023/10/prophetic-visions-of-philippines.html
What an interesting list. Does anyone believe Ronald Reagan called the Philippines “The Financial Center of the world?” What a total crock! Or is it? Let’s find out.
What a fun read. “The beacon of light to the world” by a prophet is the one that raised my eyebrows to the back of my head. To tell whether or not they are a “crock”, though, one woukd have to know the time and context of the remark. Reagan could merely have been looking at geography, or commenting on Bank of America opening shop in the Philippines. There are ways in which it could make sense, and, for me, lacking data, I’d give them the benefit of the doubt.
the late president ronald reagan was known for his one liners, he was a joker. one look at imelda dressed to the nines would make one think the philippines is indeed the financial center of the world.
here’s one or reagan’s joke:
room bugged? each time I sneeze the chandelier said, ‘gesundheit!’
Yes, Reagan had personality. Charm. And the ability to sleep during meetings.
https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2024/07/presidential-remarks-on-philippine.html
“Presidential Remarks on Philippine Independence From 1946 – 2024”
I detest that blog. It is anti-Filipino. I’d read GRP before reading it. I think I’ve blocked the principal here, years ago.
WRONG!! This blog is simply looking at a side of the Philippines many refuse to look at. That includes this website. Do you do a weekly write up of all the polticians, ex-politicians, and current and former government employees assassinated or concivted of crimes? No you do not. There are plenty of positives on the blog. The article linked is about how the changing of independence day from July 4th to June 12th has obscured the true history of Philippine independence. Another topic you ignore!
Did you write an article exposing how government officials had prior knowledge of the Marawi siege, did nothing about it, and the Senate REFUSES to investigate? Have you called for such an investigation? No. Another topic you ignore. And yet you have the gall, the IGNORANT GALL, to say “I detest that blog. It is anti-Filipino.” You have no idea what you are talking about. Try actually reading it.
Kindly don’t post in The Society of Honor. We have a personality conflict. Just do your own thing. No problem from me. You’ve said your piece and readers here can visit the “fail” blog if they so choose.
I probably vacillate a lot between action and inaction.
And I guess that is why some times I agree and sometimes I dont even within the same minute.
For the Philippines to succeed then excellence and expectations is a must, but as joe amply observes there are two standards. One for those who purport to be good and those who dont.
Long term we must make people seek out the logical, the common good, good leadership.
The leadership they can see and can instill that standard is the leadership in the LGU.
Senate leadership is like empty calories for me, that is why anyone who wants to be president really needs to be a
01. mayor/governor,
02. congressman/senator,
03. secretary
Vico has one of those.
He needs the other 2.
being a mayor or governor is important so that he knows if he can campaign and lead at the ground level
being a congress man or senator is important so that he know how the back dealings of legislation and budgets happen. It is also a way to learn as it is a less taxing job.
being a secretary is important because it is probably nearest to how a president is. you almost cannot be hands on. you lead or govern by finding the right people and knowing how to bound them to the mission.
Rep. Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Partylist is a personal favourite. He is all for good governance and intelligent. However, he lacks 1 and 3 of the qualities you mentioned.
Thank you for the introduction, Maan.