‘Official-ish’? Vico Sotto’s Instagram bio sparks laughter and questions online

By Inday Marisol | June 4, 2025

A simple IG update turns into viral gold

Pasig City — Leave it to Mayor Vico Sotto to stir online buzz with just a few words. Earlier this week, netizens noticed a curious change on the Pasig mayor’s verified Instagram account. His new bio?
“Government official-ish.”

No announcement, no context — just that. And the internet, of course, went wild.

Netizens react: “Pa-explain naman, Mayor!”

Screenshots quickly made the rounds on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok. Some were amused, others were confused, and many just laughed.

“Legit ba ‘to? Official-ish? Hala, ang witty!” posted one user. Another tweeted, “I didn’t expect to spiral this hard over someone’s IG bio, but here we are.”

The hashtag #OfficialIsh trended within hours, with meme pages and fan accounts jumping in on the fun.

Just Vico being Vico?

Mayor Vico hasn’t given any official explanation yet. But for followers familiar with his style, the bio fits right into his known blend of straightforward governance and low-key humor.

“He’s always been smart with how he communicates,” said Prof. Joanna Abad, a political communication specialist. “This kind of bio—short, ironic, a little self-deprecating—makes him stand out from the usual ‘honorable’ image of public officials.”

Humor with strategy?

According to experts, being “official-ish” might be more than just a joke. It’s a soft branding move.

“It signals humility,” said Prof. Abad. “Parang sinasabi niya, ‘Yes, I’m in power, pero hindi ako traditional politician.’ That tone resonates especially with younger voters.”

Not everyone’s amused

While most netizens appreciated the humor, some critics questioned whether it was appropriate.

“Public office is a serious responsibility. Baka magmukhang pabiro or hindi seryoso,” one Facebook commenter wrote. “There’s a fine line between being relatable and being too casual.”

The internet’s verdict? Still Team Vico

Despite minor criticisms, the overwhelming response was positive. Many netizens said the label made Vico even more likable.

“Only Vico could call himself ‘official-ish’ and still be one of the most trusted mayors,” one commenter posted. “He’s authentic, and that’s what people love.”

At the end of the day…

Whether it was meant as a joke, a statement, or just a fun update, Vico Sotto’s “government official-ish” bio has once again proven one thing: he knows how to connect.

In a political landscape often filled with stiff press releases and rehearsed speeches, a little wink in the form of an Instagram bio reminds people that leadership doesn’t always have to be rigid — it can be real.

Sources

• Instagram.com/VicoSotto
• X.com (formerly Twitter): public tweets under #OfficialIsh
• Facebook Public Comments on Vico Sotto Fan Page
• TikTok reactions compiled under #OfficialIsh
• Philstar