VIEWPOINT: A New Era Begins in San Pablo – But Can ‘Kotong-Free’ Be More Than a Slogan?

San Pablo City has long waited for a turning point—and it may have just arrived. Newly elected Mayor Najie B. Gapangada Jr., once a humble Barangay Kagawad, has wasted no time in making a bold statement: San Pablo is now a “Kotong-Free City.”

It’s a strong first move from a fresh face in local politics, signaling not only a break from the past but a serious commitment to clean governance. Mayor Gapangada’s anti-corruption directive, dubbed the “Kotong-Free” policy, aims to eliminate age-old practices that have plagued local government for decades: bribes, kickbacks, padded contracts, “goodwill money,” and fixers that undermine legitimate processes.

More than just lip service, the mayor has ordered the City’s Bids and Awards Committee to implement full transparency in all bidding and procurement processes. From infrastructure to medicine and equipment, the message is clear—no more backroom deals.

Even more striking is the mayor’s personal example. In a country where political dynasties and favoritism often define governance, Gapangada has barred his own family from entering business with the local government and has declined to appoint any relatives to public office. Merit, he says, will be the only currency for employment and promotion in City Hall.

Skeptics may argue that every new mayor promises reform. But Gapangada’s affiliation with the Mayors for Good Governance network—led by Baguio’s reformist Mayor Benjamin Magalong—adds weight to his words. Whether this alliance will help institutionalize these ideals in San Pablo remains to be seen.

For a city that has seen little to no major investment in nearly three decades, these reforms are not just welcome—they are long overdue. Investors, local entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens alike are watching. If the mayor can walk the talk, San Pablo may finally begin to unlock the economic potential it has been denied for far too long.

The challenge now is sustaining the momentum. A “Kotong-Free City” is more than a catchy slogan—it is a commitment that demands constant vigilance, political will, and citizen participation. Mayor Gapangada has set the tone. It’s up to the rest of the city to follow through.