Philippines Mayor Vico Sotto Named Anti-Corruption Champion By US State Department

Pasig City Mayor Victor “Vico” Sotto is among the individuals named by the US State Department as ‘International Anticorruption Champions’.

Sotto is among the 12 honorees under the International Anti-corruption Champion Award.

The other honorees include the following:
Ardian Dvorani (Albania)
Diana Salazar (Ecuador)
Sophia Petrick (Federated States of Micronesia)
Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro (Guatemala)
Ibrahima Kalil Gueye (Guinea)
Anjalli Bhardwaj (India)
Dhuna Mohammed (Iraq)
Bolot Temirov (Kyrgz Republic)
Mustafa Abdullah Sanalla (Libya)
Francis Ben Kaifala (Sierra Leone)
and Ruslan Ryaboshapka (Ukraine)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the accolade recognizes individuals who have “worked tirelessly, often in the face of adversity, to defend transparency, combat corruption, and ensure accountability in their own countries.”

Sotto was described by the US body as a “standard-bearer for a new generation of Philippine politicians who prioritize anti-corruption and transparency initiatives in their election campaigns and in office.”

The award also highlights Sotto’s legacy as a young city councilor who defended the freedom of information legislation, allowing city residents to request documents without having to provide a justification – the first such law in the Metro Manila area.

“Sotto has sought to solidify his reputation as a fresh voice with a new, more transparent approach to governance,” it said.

Apart from that, Sotto was also recognized as a young mayor who has mandated that the value of all city government contracts be reduced by at least 10 percent, a move intended to reduce bribery in the awarding of contracts.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has emphasized the country’s commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability “is a mission that we must live at home and exemplify abroad.”