Three important Christian values young people can learn from Mayor Vico Sotto
During the 2016 election, tension was high even among Christians divided between the “Yellow party,” and those President Duterte endorsed. Then came Vico Sotto, who broke the 27-year rule of the ‘Eusebios‘ (and Carunchos) in Pasig City. His disarming image and celebrity parents may have helped, but the values he represents make him the better choice.
Victor María Regis Nubla Sotto was born in 1989. He finished A.B. Political Science in Ateneo with an M.A. in Public Management. He was a Pasig City counselor since 2016. “ViCo” is the son of singer-actor Vic Sotto and the youngest child of actress Coney Reyes.
Despite being born out of wedlock, he is proud of his parents. His mom became a born-again Christian when Vico was a year old. Since then, he was raised in humility and godliness.
1. You can’t fake honesty & sincerity
Despite little experience in governance, he had the confidence of Pasigueños. Vico’s openness and vulnerability have set him aside from traditional politicians. In his interview with Karen Davila, he poised his track record as incorruptible.
No one is perfect
It’s difficult to fake honesty and sincerity, and through Vico’s eyes, many saw his authentic self. No one is perfect, but imperfection can be perfected by being vulnerable.
Why Christians should pray for Christians in government
Vico doesn’t plan to stay too long as Mayor. He believes that “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In 2021, Sotto filed for reelection. Naturally, his political adversaries would do anything to destroy him.
Manny Pacquiao is criticized for many things. He is neither perfect nor a statement by certain political standards. Unfortunately, more Christians criticize him rather than pray for him.
Christians like Vico and Manny are Satan’s trophy—the reason Christians should pray for these leaders not to fall into the mire of dirty politics, instead of criticizing.
Christians should pray for these leaders, instead of criticizing.
Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
GOOD MANNERS CURRICULUM IN THE PHILIPPINES.
2. He sought blessings from his parents
Victor had no political machinery and enough campaign money to fight a dynasty. He felt the vital need for change, “it was now or never,” he said. Vico sought wisdom from his mentors, and his parents gave their blessings.
Always listen to your mother
Mayor Sotto is old enough to make decisions for himself, but his parent’s opinion will always matter. Her mom’s advice was simple, “always seek God and pray.” His Dad’s was, “always listen to your mother.”
An obedient son
Children are a gift from God, but the opposite is true. He is a blessing to his parents. As his mom puts it, Vico is an obedient son, and obedience to God always comes with blessings.
Obedience to God always comes with blessings.
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
WHY CHRISTIAN MATURITY IS IMPOSSIBLE.
3. A praying man
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Proverbs 8:13). In several of Coney’s interviews, Vico’s strength was evident because he has a “praying mother.”
Vico quickly admitted that whatever success he had was because of his dependence on the one true God. As a “born again Christian,” Vico was not only trained into being a prayerful son, but clearly, he believed in the powers of prayers—within God’s will.
Even as a young boy, Vico has always been interested in politics. He would always have a political opinion on what he sees on T.V. and even write about it in school. God placed in his heart to serve in the government, and he has always committed it in prayers.
James 5:16
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Unity, not more division in the midst of COVID pandemic
During the Coronavirus crisis, forward-thinking Vico was praised by netizens for the way he was handling the situation. When asked for his response, he deflected the accolades and asked people not to focus on such but on unity.
Godliness and righteousness in the government
Mayor Sotto has mentors in church for accountability and surrounds himself with godly people. More importantly, he is being met with daily prayers.
Vico is bullish that righteousness in the government is possible; “I think it’s really important for us to have leaders with the fear and love of God,” he said.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of State awarded Vico Sotto was a recipient of its International Anti-corruption Champions Award.
Pinoys clamor for justice and righteousness in the government. To do that, the Filipino nation needs to know that righteousness comes by faith in Jesus, through Him we can bear fruits. Instead of turning against the government, imagine if every Christian was focused on sharing the Gospel? Pray for Christian leaders like Vico, he needs our support.
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