August 28, 2025 — The landscape of Philippine politics has been rocked by an explosive revelation involving Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who allegedly rejected a ₱10-million offer in exchange for a single, exclusive interview. The bribe attempt comes at a time when the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is under intense investigation for widespread corruption — prompting questions about whether the two scandals are connected.

With whistleblowers, online outrage, and the involvement of high-profile names, this story is quickly turning into one of the biggest political firestorms of the year.

The Alleged ₱10-Million Interview Offer

According to multiple sources close to the Pasig City government, Mayor Vico Sotto was approached by individuals allegedly linked to a private business group with ties to major infrastructure projects. The group reportedly offered a staggering ₱10 million for an exclusive media appearance, hoping to leverage the mayor’s credibility to shift public opinion amid ongoing controversies surrounding government contracts.

The mayor reportedly refused the offer outright, condemning it as a “clear and shameless attempt to buy integrity.”

While Mayor Sotto has not yet released a full public statement, his team has neither denied the allegation nor backed down from its implications. The offer — if verified — suggests that certain entities may be attempting to use trusted public figures as tools to whitewash corruption.

DPWH Under Fire: Billions at Stake

The scandal escalates further as the DPWH faces mounting allegations of misuse of public funds, “ghost” projects, and inflated construction costs. Anonymous insiders, including engineers and procurement officers, have come forward to describe systemic manipulation of infrastructure budgets.

One whistleblower stated:

“We were instructed to overprice project budgets by up to 40%. The excess would go to certain officials. If you didn’t play along, your contracts would get blocked.”

Early reports suggest that the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Office of the Ombudsman have begun preliminary inquiries, with several senior DPWH officials already under review.

Though no direct link has been established, the timing of the ₱10M interview offer and the DPWH corruption probe has fueled speculation that certain parties were trying to use Mayor Sotto as a shield — or a distraction — to steer public attention away from the growing scandal.

Public Reaction: “We Deserve the Truth”

Filipino netizens responded to the news with a wave of outrage and disbelief. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #VicoSotto, #DPWHCorruption, and #10MillionInterview trended nationwide.

One viral post read:

“₱10M for an interview? That’s not PR. That’s propaganda. Who knows how much more they’ve stolen from us.”

Another said:

“Vico Sotto rejecting that offer is why he stands out. But how many others said yes?”

Online groups are now calling for nationwide mobilization to demand full transparency from the DPWH and a formal investigation into the attempted bribery. Protest actions are already being planned in front of the agency’s main office in Manila.

Korina vs. Vico: Another Layer of Conflict

In a surprising twist, veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez reportedly accused Mayor Sotto of cyberlibel, claiming that a cryptic Facebook post he made regarding the ₱10M offer was defamatory. The post did not name any media personality, but Korina’s camp said the implication was damaging.

Sotto’s office has not commented on the cyberlibel threat — but analysts believe the clash reflects the larger struggle between traditional media powers and new-generation politicians who rely on independent channels to communicate with the public.

Behind the Scenes: A Struggle for Control

According to political analyst Jun Mendoza:

“This scandal isn’t just about one bribe or one agency. This is about narrative control. The real war is over public perception — and Vico Sotto refusing to be part of a cover-up has thrown a wrench in that machine.”

With national elections on the horizon, the stakes are high. Any shift in public trust, especially involving younger, reform-oriented politicians like Sotto, could drastically alter the political balance.

What Happens Now?

For Mayor Vico Sotto: Will he formally testify or name those behind the offer? His next move could determine whether he faces retaliation or rallies further support.

For the DPWH: Investigations are expected to intensify. Calls for a Senate inquiry and high-level resignations are growing louder by the hour.

For the Public: This is a pivotal moment for accountability. Will truth win — or will another scandal be buried beneath layers of bureaucracy and political spin?

More Than Just ₱10 Million

This story may have begun with a questionable offer for an interview — but it has since grown into a full-scale confrontation between transparency and corruption, between reform and the status quo.

In a country long plagued by institutional abuse and political theater, Vico Sotto’s refusal stands out as a rare act of defiance. Whether this act inspires systemic change, or triggers further attacks against him, remains to be seen.

For now, one thing is clear: the people are watching.

And this time, they’re demanding more than apologies — they want accountability.