Mayor Sotto urges aid, deflects NBI probe

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto urged his constituents to focus on mutual help amid the COVID-19 crisis, rather than getting distracted by issues hurled against him.

Sotto stated that Pasig City will continue its efforts to address the needs of its residents affected by the health crisis.

He made these remarks after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) requested an explanation regarding his possible violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, specifically concerning the continuous operation of tricycles.

Sotto explained that the local government had temporarily allowed limited tricycle operations to help ferry health workers and essential service personnel, emphasizing that free rides offered by the city would not suffice.

He added that while they expressed an opinion based on their analysis, they also complied with the national government's directive to suspend tricycle operations.

The mayor also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the distribution of food packs and financial aid to various sectors in Pasig.

Additionally, cash assistance for public utility vehicle drivers in Pasig has been increased to P4,000, and financial aid for over 100,000 families is expected soon with national government assistance.