Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As the 2025 local elections draw closer, Pasig City is bracing for an exciting mayoral race between two contrasting figures: incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto, the reformist leader who has become a symbol of good governance, and businesswoman Sarah Discaya, a rising political contender with a corporate-driven vision for the city.
Meet the Candidates
Sarah Discaya steps into the political arena as a fresh face with a bold promise to transform Pasig into a "Smart City." Known for her role as the Chief Financial Officer of St. Gerrard General Contractor and Development Corp., Discaya brings to the table extensive experience in business, infrastructure, and financial management. Her campaign centers around modernization, economic development, and the promise of building a city ready to compete on both national and international stages.
On the other hand, Mayor Vico Sotto is no stranger to the people of Pasig. Elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2022, Sotto has built a reputation as a reformist leader committed to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and community-driven governance. He has introduced several social programs, digitalized government services, and championed inclusivity across all sectors.
Leadership Styles: Business Acumen vs. Participative Governance
Discaya’s leadership style reflects her corporate roots. Her strategic focus lies in large-scale infrastructure projects, attracting investors, and turning Pasig into a business-friendly hub. She envisions a city equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and systems that streamline services and improve urban living.
In contrast, Mayor Sotto has emphasized participative governance and grassroots leadership. Known for his open-door policy and hands-on approach, he has established a connection with the masses, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and responsive public services.
Key Campaign Promises
Sarah Discaya:
Modernize Pasig into a Smart City with advanced infrastructure and digital governance.
Attract major business investments to boost the local economy and create jobs.
Enhance public-private partnerships for sustainable urban projects.
Vico Sotto:
Strengthen transparency and anti-corruption programs in local governance.
Improve healthcare, education, and social services for all residents.
Continue digitalizing city services for better efficiency and accessibility.
Public Perception and Support Base
Discaya’s campaign has attracted significant attention, with notable personalities such as Shamcey Supsup and Ara Mina publicly endorsing her candidacy. Her entry into politics is seen as a bold move, but questions about her political inexperience and alleged ties to a poll service provider have sparked scrutiny.
Sotto, on the other hand, continues to enjoy strong grassroots support. His clean political image and unwavering commitment to reform have made him a well-loved figure, especially among youth voters and civic organizations.
The Controversies
No political campaign is without its share of controversies. Discaya is currently facing allegations over her alleged connections to a poll service provider, which Mayor Sotto has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate. This issue has put Discaya under the spotlight, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
Sotto, while generally untainted by scandal, has faced resistance from entrenched political families and bureaucratic challenges during his tenure. Yet, he has managed to maintain his image as an honest and principled leader.
The Road Ahead: Modernization vs. Governance Continuity
At the heart of this mayoral race lies a key question: What kind of future do Pasigueños envision for their city?
Do they want the corporate-driven modernization and economic focus promised by Sarah Discaya? Or do they prefer to continue the transparent and community-centered leadership that has become synonymous with Vico Sotto’s administration?
A Tale of Two Calendars: Analyzing the Messaging and Strategy of Pasig City’s Competing Political Teams for 2025
The race for Pasig City’s 2025 local elections is heating up, and campaign materials are starting to pour in. Among these, calendars are particularly notable for their potential to convey messages, shape public perception, and establish early visibility for candidates. Two political camps—the team of Sarah Discaya and the incumbent team led by Mayor Vico Sotto—recently released their respective calendars. These campaign materials provide a glimpse into their strategies, priorities, and values, offering Pasigueños a preview of what might define the upcoming elections.
Team Sarah Discaya: Vibrant and Ambitious
Sarah Discaya’s calendar is a bold and colorful display, reflecting her team’s proactive and ambitious branding. Dominated by a strong red motif, it features images of Discaya and her slate of candidates, all presented in vibrant attire that exudes energy and determination. The calendar emphasizes their slogan, “Pasigueño, Pamilya Tayo!” which resonates with themes of unity and shared responsibility.
The accompanying text outlines a comprehensive platform, highlighting big-ticket promises such as:
A new hospital and enhanced healthcare services.
Public housing programs.
Flood control initiatives.
Traffic solutions, including a bus rapid transit system.
Livelihood projects aimed at boosting economic opportunities.
The messaging clearly attempts to strike a chord with voters by addressing key local issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and urban planning. The layout positions the Discaya team as action-driven and solution-oriented, appealing to voters looking for dynamic leadership.
Team Vico Sotto: Modern, Clean, and Visionary
On the other side, the calendar from the team of incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto reflects a distinctly modern and minimalist approach. Dominated by cool tones, particularly blues and whites, the design features Pasig City’s iconic buildings and landmarks, subtly reinforcing the current administration’s focus on progress and sustainability.
Unlike Discaya’s calendar, which prominently displays candidates, Sotto’s is less about personalities and more about the city itself. This approach suggests a continuation of his style of leadership, one centered on institutional reforms and collective progress rather than individual politics.
Visual and Strategic Contrasts
The differences between these two calendars are striking and reflect divergent campaign strategies:
Focus on Identity vs. Legacy: Discaya’s calendar places heavy emphasis on introducing her team and their platform, appealing to voters who may be seeking change. Meanwhile, Sotto’s calendar capitalizes on his established reputation, with a focus on city-wide achievements and ongoing projects.
Tone and Imagery: The Discaya team uses bold colors and imagery to evoke energy and enthusiasm, signaling a desire for transformation. In contrast, Sotto’s calm, professional design conveys stability, competence, and progress.
Content Priorities: Discaya’s promises of new initiatives directly address key voter concerns, while Sotto’s subtle branding of “smart city” governance implies the continuation and enhancement of programs already in place.
Potential Voter Interpretations
For voters, these calendars serve as both campaign tools and conversation starters. Discaya’s team may appeal to those looking for fresh ideas and a break from the status quo, while Sotto’s approach is likely to resonate with constituents who value steady and effective leadership. The calendars also highlight broader questions: Should Pasig City continue on its current trajectory, or does it need a new direction?
The ultimate test will be how these messages are received by Pasigueños as the election season progresses. Both teams have laid out their initial cards, setting the stage for what promises to be an engaging and high-stakes race for Pasig City’s leadership in 2025.
As election day approaches, one thing is clear: Pasig City is at a crossroads. Whether it’s Discaya’s vision of a Smart City or Sotto’s commitment to grassroots reforms, the choice will define Pasig’s path for years to come.
Who will lead Pasig City into the future? The decision lies in the hands of its people.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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