Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is a senator, actor, comedian, songwriter, producer, TV host, and now an aspiring vice president of the Republic of the Philippines. Known as “Tito Sen” or “Tito Sotto” by many, the vice-presidential candidate became popular in the world of showbiz as a musician to which he later became part of the longest-running and most popular noontime variety show in the country.
Tito Sotto made his political debut when he ran and won as Vice Mayor of Quezon City in 1988 and served as the city’s official for one term. He was then elected to the Senate of the Philippines in 1992, where he placed first among all other senatorial hopefuls. He successfully bid for reelection in 1998, earning him a two-term stint in the chamber until 2004. Sotto is currently serving his fourth term in the Senate, having been re-elected in 2010, successfully seeking his comeback for the third term.
Throughout Sotto’s career in the Senate, he has been responsible for several bills by which he authored and co-authored. Some of the major bills he passed include the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or R.A. 9165 which serves as basis for formulating policies and programs on drug prevention and control. The R.A. 8369 also known as the Family Courts Act of 1997 grants jurisdiction over child and family cases. He also authored bills that converted many municipalities into cities like Makati, Marikina, Pasig, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, among others.
Senator Sotto also penned out the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law, Kasambahay Law, Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Code, TRAIN Law, and many other bills that now serve as the framework for policies in the country. As of writing, there are bills that Sotto crafted that awaited President Duterte’s signature.
In the course of Sotto’s time in politics, he has also been tangled in controversies, mainly because of his political views, stands, and remarks. He caused a public uproar when he made a remark to the former DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo belittling single parents. People took offense and labeled him a sexist and misogynist. The senator was also accused of plagiarism when the speech he delivered in 2012 opposing the Reproductive Health Bill was apparently similar to the speech of late American Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Tito Sotto apologized but still denied plagiarism.
Despite the controversies involving him, Senator Sotto officially filed his candidacy seeking for the second-highest office in the country alongside his running mate, Sen. Ping Lacson who will vie for presidency.
With decades of experience in politics including many years in the Senate as Senate President, Tito Sotto is now aspiring for a higher position. He is indeed a jack of many trades but will he be given a chance to become Vice President?
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of POLITICO.PH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janine Alexis P. Miguel is a senior student of Journalism at the University of the East – Manila, and is currently an intern at PageOne Media and Communications Inc. As a student, she’s been an active part of and has lead student organizations and councils in her university, as well as editorial boards for writing organization. She enjoys writing stories for and about other people. With coffee and writing as her ally, she seeks to empower people with facts and proper information.
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