PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto has issued a stern warning to city hall officials and personnel, emphasizing that corruption will not go unpunished. The mayor’s statement comes in the wake of the recent arrest of an employee who was allegedly involved in soliciting and accepting a P10,000 bribe.
According to Mayor Sotto, the employee in question had taken the bribe in exchange for providing a signature from the Office of the Building Official. The incident took place last week, and the employee was subsequently apprehended and arrested.
Addressing the matter, Mayor Sotto revealed, “Dahil humingi po siya ng P15,000 at mukhang hindi niya ito first time gawin. Actually P10,000 na lang ang tinanggap niya. Nakipag-tawaran pa eh” (He asked for P15,000, and it looks like it was not the first time he did this. He even haggled).
Mayor Sotto acknowledged that he had personally recommended the employee for a position in city hall. However, he made it clear that he would not hesitate to take action against anyone, even his friends, who engage in wrongdoing. “Pag may ginawa kang krimen, pasensya po. Years ko na pong winarningan ang mga empleyado natin. Hindi naman siya ‘yung una na-entrap at napakulong pero kumbaga, tama na” (If you committed a crime, you will be made accountable. I have been warning employees, this was not the first time that someone went to jail [for corruption]),” he added.
Mayor Sotto reiterated his commitment to “de-normalize” corruption and establish good governance as the norm in Pasig City. He emphasized that his goal is to create an environment where corruption is not tolerated and where public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Corruption is a pervasive issue that affects societies worldwide. It undermines trust in public institutions, hampers economic growth, and disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. Pasig City, under the leadership of Mayor Sotto, is taking a strong stance against corruption and setting an example for other cities.
It is essential to contextualize the issue of corruption in Pasig City within the broader international context. Corruption exists in various forms and degrees in different countries, and each jurisdiction has its own laws and customs to address the issue.
By cracking down on corruption within its own ranks, Pasig City is demonstrating its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparency in its governance. This sends a powerful message to both city hall employees and the general public that corruption will not be tolerated.
Mayor Sotto’s dedication to fighting corruption is commendable. His efforts to warn and educate city hall employees about the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices show his commitment to creating a culture of integrity and accountability.
Ultimately, the goal is to institutionalize good governance and establish a system where corruption is not the norm. Mayor Sotto’s unwavering stance against corruption sets an example for other leaders and serves as a reminder that public officials should be held to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
As Pasig City continues its fight against corruption, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Together, with the collective efforts of the government and the public, Pasig City can pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free society.
Source: The Manila Times
