Netizens from all over the web virtually went up in arms as a copy of the National Bureau of Investigation’s summons for Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto was leaked on the Internet on April Fool’s Day. The said letter required the mayor to appear at their office on April 7, on grounds of allegedly violating certain provisions of Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act — a measure recently passed by both Houses to address the coronavirus crisis.
In just a few hours, celebrities, prominent personalities and other social media-users alike cried foul, as the #ProtectVico hashtag trended worldwide on Twitter.
Vico, one of a handful of younger mayors who unseated an older generation of politicians in the 2019 elections, has been reaping praise for his innovative take on crisis management in the face of quelling the COVID-19 pandemic. From the mobile palengkes, which brought the markets closer to the people; to the installation of sanitation tents in government hospitals and city hall; to the procurement of disinfection drones to win the battle vs. coronavirus– Vico has certainly raised the bar when it comes to how leaders should act in times of crisis.
While the Pasig mayor’s stellar performance has also ruffled some feathers, it comes as no surprise to the throngs of followers who have supported him from Day One.
In an e-mail interview with PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez last July, Vico said “It’s about time for young leaders to take on positions of leadership, to go against the flow, and to push the system towards positive change.”
Currently the youngest mayor in Metro Manila, the 30-year-old Vico also expressed eagerness in effecting change for his beloved city in the same interview. “Should we wait until we have lost our youthful idealism and zeal? In my case, I saw the need for change in our city, the readiness of the people, but the absence of anyone else who was willing to make the sacrifice and take the risk,” he said.
Iba naman
Pasig City’s unique ways of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic also falls in line with Vico’s campaign promises in 2019. “Our campaign slogan was ‘Iba naman.’ Yet every day I repeatedly said that this doesn’t refer to a different name or face; we mean a different breed of politics – and governance that is open, participative and accountable to the people,” he said.
In the end, Vico’s central promise of a new style of governance resonated with people and was made concrete by his “Big 5” Agenda: healthcare, housing, education, people’s participation and the fight against corruption.
Shortly after receiving the summons, which demanded that the Pasig City Mayor explain his side on the alleged violation of the recently passed Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Vico took to Twitter to respond with equal amount of tact and sass.
“They’re asking for an explanation on the alleged violation of the Bayanihan Heal As One Act (e.g. continuous tricycle operation). We complied with all the directives. Hindi po illegal na magbigay ng opinion (It’s not illegal to voice out opinions),” he said before adding “At alam kaya nila na March 24 naging batas ang Bayanihan Act (Do they know that Bayanihan Act was enacted on March 24)?”
Responding to NBI Deputy director Ferdinand Lavin, who requested that the issue not be used for political mongering, Vico agreed with the sentiment – but also alleged that it was the NBI that leaked a copy of the letter to reporters. “Nung nagpa-receive ang mga tao nyo sa opis (sic) ko, may kasama pang media (When your men delivered to my office, there was media with them).”
Built for change
Going back to his July interview with Joanne, Vico said that he “was blessed with a number of role models in my life who showed me what it meant to live with integrity – from my parents and other family members, pastors and leaders in church, and teachers in school. I also look at the examples of historical figures for guidance and strategy, such as Abraham Lincoln, who demonstrated transformational yet inclusive leadership.”
Despite being his showbiz pedigree – Vico is the son of actress Coney Reyes and comedian Vic Sotto – the Pasig City Mayor also took a different route during the campaign, when he traded in the usual celebrity endorsements and dance numbers with a platform built on over a hundred citizen consultations. “I entered this battle ready to fight, but willing to lose. I don’t believe in winning at all costs. Even during the campaign, I refused to make a lot of grand promises. My main promise was that I will lead with integrity. I will not pocket the people’s money.”
Aside from netizens and supporters, prominent government officials have also taken Vico’s side on the matter of the Bayanihan Act, the most notable of which is Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
Aside from reminding the NBI that erring public officials are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior and Local Government and not the Department of Justice, the older Sotto, who is one of the principal proponents of the Bayanihan Act, also reiterated the law cannot be applied retroactively. “NBI will be well advised to be cautious in their interpretation of the law I principally authored. Any so-called violation of RA 11469 can’t be retroactive!” he said.
While #ProtectVico is a hot topic on social media these days, it is, in fact, already the second time that the hashtag has lit up Twitter in recent months. It first trended on March 19, when administration officials and supporters criticized the neophyte mayor for allowing tricycle drivers to operate after the announcement of the Metro Manila-wide enhanced community quarantine.
And should Vico appear at the NBI on April 07, don’t be surprised if #ProtectVico Part Three explodes on the Twitterverse yet again.
