Open Letter to Arnold Clavio: Why Mayor Vico Sotto’s Fight for Clean Governance Deserves Respect, Not Ridicule – Addressing the Misunderstanding Around His Political Integrity and Leadership

Manila, Philippines — The Philippines’ political scene has seen its fair share of drama, scandal, and division, but nothing quite as striking as the ongoing battle for clean governance being waged by Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City. Recently, the well-known media personality Arnold Clavio directed harsh criticism at Mayor Vico, calling into question his intentions and motivations. Clavio’s comments, “Mayor, huwag ka nang makisawsaw sa mapanganib na panahon dahil sa sarili mong interes na politikal,” and “Huwag mong isingit sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino na ikaw lang ang malinis at matuwid,” have raised eyebrows across the nation, with many supporters of the mayor questioning the fairness of these remarks.

In response to Clavio’s accusations, we must take a step back and evaluate what Mayor Vico Sotto stands for. The crux of Clavio’s criticism seems to be that the mayor is somehow positioning himself as the “only clean leader” in Philippine politics. However, this interpretation is both inaccurate and dismissive of the principles Mayor Vico stands for. Let’s delve deeper into why Mayor Vico’s leadership is not only worthy of praise but also why it’s a representation of the type of change Filipinos deserve.

Mayor Vico Sotto: The Epitome of Good Governance in the Philippines

For those who have followed Mayor Vico Sotto’s journey in public service, one thing has been clear: He has never claimed to be the only clean leader. In fact, he has always focused on something far more important — proving that good governance is not only possible but achievable when leaders prioritize transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the people over personal interests.

His work in Pasig City is a shining example of this philosophy in action. From making government processes more transparent to implementing programs aimed at helping the marginalized, Mayor Vico has consistently put the needs of his constituents first. What sets him apart from other leaders is his unwavering focus on serving the public, a quality that many have applauded. Yet, to accuse him of pursuing only “political self-interest” is unfair and undermines the trust he has so carefully built with his people. His achievements in Pasig — which include improving social services, education, and infrastructure — speak louder than any political noise.

The Political Game in the Philippines: Where Corruption Holds Power

The reality is that the Filipino people are tired of corruption and self-serving political agendas. For years, they have been subjected to a system where politicians often use public office for personal gain. However, Mayor Vico Sotto represents a beacon of hope in a system that has long been defined by power struggles and self-interest. His leadership shows that clean governance is not just an ideal; it is a practice that can lead to meaningful change.

A leader who remains clean and upright, despite the temptations and pressures of the political world, should not be ridiculed or attacked. Instead, such a leader should be celebrated and encouraged. We are at a point where the Filipino people deserve leaders who are driven by the greater good, not by their personal ambitions.

Is Mayor Vico Really Claiming to Be the Only Clean Leader?

Clavio’s remarks have caused confusion, leading some to believe that Mayor Vico has claimed to be the sole clean leader in Philippine politics. This, however, could not be further from the truth. Mayor Vico has never positioned himself as superior to other leaders in the country. What he has done is exemplify the idea that good governance is possible, even in a landscape rife with corruption and greed. By focusing on transparency and accountability, he has shown that being a good public servant is not about personal gain — it is about doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.

Rather than boasting of his own purity, Mayor Vico has consistently called for better governance in the Philippines. His work reflects a commitment to integrity that he believes all public officials should strive for. This is the message he has sent to his constituents, and it is one that many people are rallying behind.

The Importance of Fairness and Truth in Political Discourse

One of the foundations of a healthy democracy is the ability to engage in open dialogue. This is something Mayor Vico has always championed — encouraging constructive discussions, engaging with the community, and remaining receptive to the needs of the people. However, dialogue must be rooted in fairness and truth.

The comments made by Mr. Clavio, accusing Mayor Vico of political self-interest, seem to disregard these principles. It is easy to cast doubt on a leader who is attempting to make a difference. But instead of questioning the sincerity of Mayor Vico’s efforts, it would be more productive for the discourse to focus on practical solutions that help the Filipino people.

We must ask: How can we continue to move forward as a nation if we are not focused on the larger goal — improving the lives of Filipinos? Rather than tearing down clean leaders, we should be looking at how we can support good governance and hold corrupt officials accountable.

The Bigger Picture: Why We Stand with Mayor Vico

In defending Mayor Vico, we are not merely supporting one individual. We are standing up for the principle that clean, ethical governance is not just possible but worth fighting for.

By supporting Mayor Vico, we are also sending a message that we are ready for change — that we are ready for a future where public service is about the people, not about personal agendas. This is a fight that every Filipino deserves to be a part of.

The attack on Mayor Vico by Clavio represents a larger issue that affects the entire nation. It is the idea that, despite all the evidence to the contrary, those who attempt to govern honestly and with integrity are often targeted or criticized for doing so. We must move beyond this cycle of negativity and embrace leaders who are dedicated to making the Philippines a better place for all.

A Call to Action: Let’s Focus on Solutions

Instead of focusing on personal attacks and casting doubt on leaders who are striving to do the right thing, we must focus on building solutions that will genuinely benefit the Filipino people. Mayor Vico Sotto’s actions speak louder than any political noise. His work in Pasig City is a model of what good governance can achieve when leaders choose service over self-interest.

In closing, we stand with Mayor Vico Sotto because his leadership is a reflection of the type of governance the Philippines deserves — one that is built on integrity, accountability, and transparency.

We are not just defending a man. We are defending a principle of clean governance, and we will continue to fight for it.