EVEN as elections are still three years away, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto shut down rumors that he will be seeking a higher position come 2028.

“2028, hindi ako tatakbo. Ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko na sa inyo. Kaya malaya akong gawin kung anong tingin ko ang tama,” Sotto said during his inaugural address.

Sotto, who will be coming in as his third and last term as Local Chief Executive, said that the announcement will most definitely free him from any political pressure and will give him more focus in his last term.

The son of showbiz personalities Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes, Sotto will take on the last three years and his third consecutive term as mayor. This is the maximum allowed under the Constitution.

He then reiterated his commitment to continue pursuing policies and reforms he believes will benefit the city, regardless of political consequences.

Likewise, Sotto extended his hand to his political rivals.

“Hindi ninyo masasabi na may bahid ng politika. At ‘yung hindi ko masabi noong campaign period, ngayon pwede ko na pong sabihin, sa lahat ng aming katunggali, we extend a hand of peace, we extend a hand of unity. Kung maaari, magtulungan tayo para sa ikagaganda ng ating lungsod,” he said.

But he said that while he is looking for peace, it does not absolve anybody from any wrongdoing.

“Ngunit, kailangan may managot sa mga krimen na naganap,” he said.