Vico Sotto resigns from Aksyon Demokratiko

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 2)— Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto confirmed he has resigned from the political party Aksyon Demokratiko.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Sotto said he decided to leave as he believes the party is “no longer a group of individuals with similar political goals and ideals.”

He tendered his resignation on June 30 – weeks after the elections – as shown in his letter addressed to party chairperson Ernesto Ramel.

“Unfortunately, recent events have made it apparent that the party is now headed towards a different direction,” the popular mayor wrote. “To me, this defeats the purpose of being a member of a political party."

Sotto launched his reelection bid for the Pasig mayoralty under Aksyon, where he also previously served as executive vice president.

He clarified that the move does not concern “any particular person or candidate.”

“I maintain the highest respect for the party’s leadership and members," he said. "It is, in part, because of this respect that I decided to delay my resignation until after the elections."

Ramel, in response, said the party was “saddened” by Sotto’s resignation.

“We were hoping that he will be the future of Aksyon Demokratiko," Ramel said in a statement. "However, the party is not lacking in talent and strong young future leaders of this country."

Ramel added the party is not closing its doors should Sotto decide to return in the future.