Mayor Vico Among the 12 International Anticorruption Champions

The US State Department has named Pasig City Mayor Victor “Vico” Sotto as one of the twelve (12) International Anticorruption Champions.

The anticorruption champions were announced by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken yesterday, February 23, 2021.

We see courageous individuals defending transparency, combating corruption, and ensuring accountability every day all around the globe. Learn more about the International Anticorruption Champions recognized by @SecBlinken today: https://t.co/za2IXBRBJs

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 23, 2021

International Anticorruption Champions Award

The International Anticorruption Champions Award was launched by Secretary of State Blinken to recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership, courage, and impact in preventing, exposing, and combating corruption.

“Around the world, corruption threatens security and stability, hinders economic growth, undermines democracy and human rights, destroys trust in public institutions, facilitates transnational crime, and siphons away public and private resources. “

-Secretary of State Blinken

Furthermore, Secretary of State Blinken added in his statement, “the Biden Administration recognizes that we will only be successful in combating these issues by working in concert with committed partners, including courageous individuals who champion anticorruption efforts and countries working to fulfill their commitments to international anticorruption standards.”

12 International Anticorruption Champions

Here are the following individuals recognized by the US State Department who have worked tirelessly, often in the face of adversity, to defend transparency, combat corruption, and ensure accountability in their own countries.

• Ardian Dvorani of Albania
• Diana Salazar of Ecuador
• Sophia Pretrick of the Federated States of Micronesia
• Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro of Guatemala
• Ibrahima Kalil Gueye of Guinea
• Anjali Bhardwaj of India
• Dhuha A. Mohammed of Iraq
• Bolot Temirov of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Mustafa Abdullah Sanalla of Libya
• Victor Sotto of  The Philippines
• Francis Ben Kaifala of Sierra Leone
• Ruslan Ryaboshapka of Ukraine

Photo Source: US Department of State