Tito Sotto
{{Short description|Filipino politician and entertainer (born 1948)}}
{{Philippine name|Castelo|Sotto}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Tito Sotto
| image = Tito Sotto III (cropped).jpg
| imagesize =
| caption = Sotto in 2018
| order = 23rd
| office = President of the Senate of the Philippines
| term_start = May 22, 2018
| term_end = June 30, 2022
| succeeding1 =
| predecessor1 = Aquilino Pimentel III
| successor1 = Migz Zubiri
| office2 = Senate Majority Leader
| president2 =
| term_start2 = July 25, 2016
| term_end2 = May 21, 2018
| predecessor2 = Alan Peter Cayetano
| successor2 = Migz Zubiri
| term_start3 = July 26, 2010
| term_end3 = July 22, 2013
| predecessor3 = Migz Zubiri
| successor3 = Gregorio Honasan (acting)
| office4 = Senate Minority Leader
| term_start4 = July 28, 2014
| term_end4 = August 24, 2015
| predecessor4 = Juan Ponce Enrile
| successor4 = Juan Ponce Enrile
| term_start5 = June 3, 2002
| term_end5 = June 30, 2004
| predecessor5 = Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
| successor5 = Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
| office6 = Senator of the Philippines
| term_start6 = June 30, 2010
| term_end6 = June 30, 2022
| term_start7 = June 30, 1992
| term_end7 = June 30, 2004
| office8 = Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board
| president8 = Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
| term_start8 = July 2008
| term_end8 = November 2009
| predecessor8 = Anselmo Avenido Jr.
| successor8 = Antonio Villar Jr.
| office9 = 12th Vice Mayor of Quezon City
| term_start9 = February 2, 1988
| term_end9 = January 1, 1992
| 1blankname9 = {{nowrap|Mayor}}
| 1namedata9 = Brigido Simon, Jr.
| predecessor9 = Amado Zabala ({{OIC-Philippines}})
| successor9 = Alicia Herrera ({{OIC-Philippines}})
| birth_name = Vicente Castelo Sotto III
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=y|1948|8|24}}
| birth_place = Manila, Philippines
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = NPC (2007–present)
| otherparty = LDP (1988–2007)
| spouse = {{marriage|Helen Gamboa|1969}}{{Cite web|url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2019/9/23/photos/tito-sotto-helen-gamboa-celebrate-50th-wedding-an-105706|title=Tito Sotto, Helen Gamboa celebrate 50th wedding anniversary}}
| relatives = Sotto family
| children = 4 (including Gian, Lala, and Ciara)
| residence = Quezon City, Metro Manila
| alma_mater = Colegio de San Juan de Letran (BA)
| signature = Vicente Tito Castelo Sotto III signature.svg
| website =
| footnotes =
| nickname = Tito
| allegiance = {{flag|Philippines}}
| branch = Philippine Army
Philippine Constabulary
| serviceyears = 2013–present (PAR)
1998–2013 (PCR)
| rank = 35px Lieutenant Colonel
18px Major
| commands = 20px 1502nd Infantry Brigade (Ready Reserve)
| awards =
| module = {{Infobox musical artist| embed =yes
| background = solo_singer
| instruments = Vocals
| genre = OPM, Manila sound
| alias = Tito Sen
| label =
| associated_acts = VST & Company
| occupation =
| years_active = 1960–1988
}}
| module2 = {{Infobox sportsperson | embed =yes
| country = {{flag|Philippines}}
| sport = Bowling
| show-medals =
|medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry | {{PHI}} }}
{{MedalSport | Men's Bowling}}
{{MedalCompetition|Asian Games}}
{{MedalBronze|1978 Bangkok | Trios}}
| medaltemplates-title =
| updated =
}}
}}
Vicente Castelo Sotto III ({{IPA|tl|ˈsɔtɔ}}; born August 24, 1948), professionally known as Tito Sotto and also known as Tito Sen or Tito XN, is a Filipino politician, actor, entertainer and athlete who served as the 23rd Senate President from 2018 to 2022. Before that, he had two stints each as Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader. He served a total of four terms in the Senate: 1992 to 2004 and 2010 to 2022, tying the record for the longest-serving Senator with Lorenzo Tañada and Franklin Drilon. In between his stints in the Senate, he led the Dangerous Drugs Board for a year. He became the Vice Mayor of Quezon City from 1988 to 1992, and unsuccessfully ran for vice president in the 2022 elections as Panfilo Lacson's running mate.
Beyond politics, Sotto is an accomplished songwriter, known for founding the iconic musical group VST & Co. alongside his brothers Vic and Val Sotto, which is considered one of the best Filipino bands of all-time and the "pioneer of the Manila sound".
In television, he is known as a co-host of Eat Bulaga!, the longest-running variety show in Philippine television history,{{cite web |url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/former_senators/vicente_sotto_iii.htm |title=Vicente C. Sotto III |work=senate.gov.ph |publisher=Senate of the Philippines |access-date=August 22, 2012}} and has appeared in numerous television shows and films as an actor. He is colloquially dubbed as "Tito Sen" by the audience.
As an athlete, Sotto was also a member of the Philippine national bowling team, representing the country several times at the AMF World Cup. He notably won a bronze medal in the 1978 Asian Games.
Early life and education
Sotto{{cite news |last1=Talabong |first1=Rambo |title='Tito Vice'? Sotto officially seeks vice presidency in 2022 |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/tito-sotto-files-certificate-candidacy-vice-president-2022/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |work=Rappler |date=October 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009104402/https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/tito-sotto-files-certificate-candidacy-vice-president-2022 |archive-date=October 9, 2021}} was born on August 24, 1948 to Marcelino Antonio "Nonong" Ojeda Sotto Sr. (1916-1999) and Dr. Herminia Castelo Sotto. His siblings are Valmar (born 1945), Marvic Valentin (born 1954), and Marcelino Antonio Jr. (born 1951).{{cite web |date=January 2, 2016 |title=Kapamilya Tree: The Sotto Family |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-tree-the-sotto-family-1304 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701114929/http://test.entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/updates/kapamilya-tree-the-sotto-family |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |access-date=June 19, 2017 |website=ABS-CBN.com}}
Sotto's paternal grandfather and namesake was former senator Vicente Sotto (1877–1950), the main author of the Press Freedom Law, whose brother, Filemon (1872–1966) also served as a senator and was one of those who drafted the 1935 Constitution.{{cite news |last=Oaminal |first=Clarence Paul |date=July 27, 2014 |title=Don Vicente Sotto St., Cebu City |url=http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2014/07/27/1350920/don-vicente-sotto-st.-cebu-city |access-date=June 19, 2017 |work=The Philippine Star |publisher=The Freeman}}{{cite news|last=Oaminal|first=Clarence Paul|title=Filemon Sotto Drive, Cebu City|url=http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2014/03/21/1303459/filemon-sotto-drive-cebu-city|access-date=June 19, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|publisher=The Freeman|date=March 21, 2014}}
Sotto studied at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila for his elementary, high school, and college education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English.{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/sotto_resume.asp|title=Resume of Senator Vicente C. Sotto III|work=senate.gov.ph|publisher=Senate of the Philippines|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917055637/http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/sotto_resume.asp|archive-date=September 17, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2012}}
Entertainment career
Sotto's career started in the 1960s when he joined the combo Tilt Down Men; one of its members was his brother Val. The band played covers of the Dave Clark Five and later he became the vice president of Vicor Music Corporation. Vicor founder Orly Ilacad also had a career in the 1960s like Sotto, Orly Ilacad & the Ramrods. In 1977, he was the vocalist for the short-lived group Bluejeans. He wrote the music for "Balatkayo" by Anthony Castelo which was Castelo's hit. He also formed the Manila sound group VST & Company on which the meaning of VST were his initials. Among his notable compositions is "Magkaisa", which is recognized as one of the anthems of the 1986 People Power Revolution.{{cite web |last1=Salterio |first1=Leah C. |title='Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko' turns 40 and VST & Co. are holding a concert |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/01/18/20/awitin-mo-at-isasayaw-ko-turns-40-and-vst-co-are-holding-a-concert |website=ABS-CBN |access-date=January 18, 2020}}
Political career
= Vice Mayor of Quezon City (1988–1992) =
=First two terms in Senate (1992–2004)=
Sotto was elected to the Senate of the Philippines in the 1992 senatorial election, topping the tally with nearly 12 million votes, more than 3 million more than his second place ranker. This made him the third member of his family to enter the Senate, after his grandfather Vicente Sotto and granduncle Filemon Sotto. He served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, was a member of the Commission on Appointments, and served as chairman on several senate committees. In the 1998 senatorial election, Sotto earned another term in the Senate with a third place finish, the best result among senators vying for re-election.
From April 30 to May 1, 2001, together with Juan Ponce Enrile, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson and Miriam Defensor Santiago, he led the EDSA III protests in support of Joseph Estrada.{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/90521/miriam-gma-resign-or-we-will-storm-palace|title=Miriam to GMA: Resign or we will storm palace|work=Philippine Star|date=April 30, 2001|access-date=April 27, 2016}} On May 1, 2001, the protesters stormed Malacañang Palace.{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/104045-edsa-3-iglesia-ni-cristo|title=Remembering the Iglesia-led EDSA 3|work=Rappler|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2016}}
In spite of this, he ran for another term in the Senate in 2007 under the TEAM Unity coalition backed by the Arroyo administration, but was unsuccessful, finishing in 19th place.{{cite web|url=http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=Elections/2007natloc/Results/07senrank|title=May 14, 2007 National and Local Elections National Tally Sheet|work=comelec.gov.ph|publisher=Commission on Elections|access-date=August 22, 2012}}
=Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (2008–2009)=
Sotto was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as a member of the board of directors and acting chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board on July 4, 2008, succeeding Anselmo Avenido whose term was expiring that day.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/105091/news/nation/former-sen-sotto-named-acting-ddb-chief|title=Former Sen. Sotto named acting DDB chief|author=Mark Meruenas|date=July 4, 2008|work=gmanews.tv|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|access-date=August 22, 2012}} The appointment was just over one year after his failed 2007 senatorial bid. Philippine election laws forbid defeated candidates from being appointed to government posts within a year of the election. He served until November 2009.{{cite news |last1=Ramos |first1=Christia Marie |title=Sotto wants to head anti-drug bodies, DILG if he wins, given Cabinet post |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1543007/sotto-wants-to-head-anti-drug-bodies-dilg-if-he-wins-given-cabinet-post |access-date=July 1, 2022 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614120214/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1543007/sotto-wants-to-head-anti-drug-bodies-dilg-if-he-wins-given-cabinet-post |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |quote=Sotto, who chaired the DDB from July 2008 to November 2009...}}
=Third term in Senate (2010–2016)=
In late 2009, he resigned as chair of the Dangerous Drugs Board to file his certificate of candidacy as Senator, seeking a comeback to the Senate. He ran under the Nationalist People's Coalition party but campaigned alone because he was not included on any ticket. During the campaign period, he was notably endorsed by Kris Aquino.
After the conclusion of the 2010 Philippine Senate election, Sotto won a seat and placed ninth among twelve winning candidates with roughly twelve million votes, giving him his third non-consecutive term in the upper house.
Upon the commencement of the 15th Congress on July 26, 2010, he was elected by the majority of his fellow senators as the Majority Leader of the Senate as well as the
Chairman of its Committee on Rules, thus he manages the legislative affairs of the Senate, particularly on the floor during the sessions. He was also one of the 20 senators that voted to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona and to remove him from office on May 29 of that year.
File:Vicente Sotto III (cropped).jpg
In July 2013, at the end of the 15th congress, Sotto resigned as the Majority Leader following the resignation of Juan Ponce Enrile, his staunch political mentor, as Senate President. Enrile resigned due to allegations of misusing the Senate funds. Then assistant majority leader Senator Gregorio Honasan became the acting Majority Leader following Sotto's resignation.{{cite news|last1=Bacani|first1=Louis|title=Sotto resigns as Senate majority floor leader|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/06/06/950870/sotto-resigns-senate-majority-floor-leader|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=June 6, 2013}}
On the commencement of the session of the 16th Congress, on July 22, 2013, Sotto became part of the new Senate minority group.{{cite news|title=Minority bloc offered 5 Senate committee chairmanships, says Drilon|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2013/0725_drilon1.asp|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=Senate of the Philippines|date=July 25, 2013}} He was chosen by his colleagues in the minority to be the Deputy Floor Leader, second-in-command to Enrile who became the Minority Leader. In July 2014, following Enrile's arrest on charges of plunder relating to the pork barrel scam, Sotto became the acting Minority Floor Leader.{{cite news|last1=Macaraig|first1=Ayee|title=Sotto set to replace Enrile as minority head|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/61459-sotto-possible-acting-minority-leader|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=June 24, 2014}} Enrile resumed his position as the Minority Floor Leader after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in August 2015.{{cite news|last1=Adel|first1=Rosette|title=Drilon: JPE to return as Senate minority leader|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/19/1489837/drilon-jpe-return-senate-minority-leader|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=August 19, 2015}}
In 2013, Sotto filed a bill that would mandate all government and non-government employees to receive a 14th month of annual salary.{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/508243/dole-14th-month-pay-to-worsen-unemployment|title=DOLE: 14th-month pay to worsen unemployment|last=Ager|first=Maila|date=October 16, 2013|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=October 16, 2013}} Responding to the Department of Labor and Employment claims that the bill would worsen unemployment if implemented, Sotto said that the existing 13th month pay is not truly a bonus because there are actually 13 months in a year. "There are 52 weeks in a year divide it by four weeks in a month. Thirteen months."
=Fourth term in Senate (2016–2022): Senate presidency=
Senator Sotto was re-elected in the 2016 elections. With 17.2 million votes, he finished in third place for the twelve contested senate seats.{{cite news|last1=Uy|first1=Jocelyn|last2=Santos|first2=Tina|title=Comelec proclaims 12 winning senators|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/786638/comelec-proclaims-12-winning-senators|access-date=May 28, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 20, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Villanueva|first1=Rhodina|title=12 senators proclaimed|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/20/1585066/12-senators-proclaimed|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 20, 2016}} On July 25, 2016, during the opening of the 17th Congress, Sotto was again elected as Majority Leader.{{cite news|last1=Elemia|first1=Camille|title=It's final: Koko Pimentel is new Senate President|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/140753-koko-pimentel-senate-president-17th-congress|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=July 25, 2016}} He was also elected as chairman of the Senate committee on rules and the Senate committee on ethics and privileges.{{cite news|last1=Ager|first1=Maila|title=LIST: New Senate committee chairmanships|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/799739/senate-starts-forming-committee-chairmanships|access-date=May 28, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=July 26, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Elemia|first1=Camille|title=LIST: Senate committee chairmanships of the 17th Congress|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/141013-senate-committees-17th-congress|access-date=May 29, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=July 26, 2016}} Being a member of the NPC, Sotto is part of the "supermajority" coalition led by the PDP–Laban, the political party of President Rodrigo Duterte and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.{{cite news|last1=Pasion|first1=Patty|title=NPC to form alliance with Duterte's PDP-Laban|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/133637-npc-pdp-laban-alliance-agreement-duterte|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=May 19, 2016}}
Sotto has expressed his support for the revival of the death penalty for "high level drug trafficking".{{cite news|last1=Balagtas|first1=Camille|title=Sotto confident of death penalty passage in Senate|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/news/2017/04/28/sotto-confident-death-penalty-passage-senate-539001|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=SunStar Philippines|date=April 28, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Punzalan|first1=Jamaine|title=Sotto backs death penalty, but only for drug kingpins|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/02/17/sotto-backs-death-penalty-but-only-for-drug-kingpins|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=March 2, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Ager|first1=Maila|title=9 senators express opposition to death penalty|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/868760/8-senators-express-opposition-to-death-penalty|access-date=May 28, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=February 6, 2017}}
On May 3, 2017, during the Commission on Appointments' (CA) hearing on Judy Taguiwalo's appointment as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, Sotto, a member of the CA, made controversial remarks which seemed to belittle Taguiwalo for being a single parent.{{cite news|last1=Adel|first1=Rosette|title=Sotto draws flak for belittling Taguiwalo's single parenthood as 'na-ano lang'|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/03/1696362/sotto-draws-flak-belittling-taguiwalos-single-parenthood-na-ano-lang|access-date=May 29, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519055404/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/03/1696362/sotto-draws-flak-belittling-taguiwalos-single-parenthood-na-ano-lang|archive-date=May 19, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Lara|title=Taguiwalo defends solo parents vs. Sotto tirade|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/03/Tito-Sotto-Judy-Taguiwalo-DSWD-single-parents.html|access-date=May 29, 2017|publisher=CNN|date=May 4, 2017|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609074342/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/03/Tito-Sotto-Judy-Taguiwalo-DSWD-single-parents.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Was Sotto joking or insulting Taguiwalo?|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/894013/was-sotto-joking-or-insulting-taguiwalo|access-date=May 29, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 3, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Elemia|first1=Camille|title=Sotto insults single mother DSWD chief Taguiwalo: 'Na-ano lang'|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/168708-sotto-taguiwalo-single-mother|access-date=May 29, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=May 3, 2017}}{{cite news|title='Na-ano lang': Sotto twits Taguiwalo for having children out of wedlock|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/03/17/na-ano-lang-sotto-twits-taguiwalo-for-having-children-out-of-wedlock|access-date=May 29, 2017|agency=ABS-CBN News|date=May 3, 2017}}
One of Taguiwalo's daughters demanded a public apology from Sotto over his offensive remarks, asserting that "no woman deserves that kind of treatment". The Gabriela Women's Party also demanded a public apology, claiming that Sotto "went out of bounds" insulting solo parents and insinuating malice at Taguiwalo.{{cite news|last1=Canedo|first1=Karina|title=Gabriela slams Tito Sotto's "joke" on single moms|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2017/05/04/gabriela-slams-tito-sottos-joke-single-moms-539971|access-date=May 29, 2017|publisher=SunStar Philippines|date=May 4, 2017}} The Commission on Human Rights condemned the remarks, saying: "It is deplorable that such a comment came from an elected senator and that it elicited laughter from the halls of the Congress. The incident shows how those charged by law to protect women from discrimination often forget and unwittingly become promoters of discrimination themselves".{{cite news|last1=Pazzibugan|first1=Dona|last2=Salaverria|first2=Leila|last3=Dizon|first3=Nikko|title=CHR, lawmakers condemn Sotto 'joke' as sexist|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/894469/chr-lawmakers-condemn-sotto-joke-as-sexist|access-date=June 8, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 5, 2017}} A statement from the Philippine Commission on Women called the incident "a mockery of a woman's circumstance as a solo parent as [the] status has nothing to do with her professional qualifications." Representatives Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers Partylist) and Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis) deprecated the behavior of their colleagues in Congress for tolerating Sotto's remarks. Filipino netizens also criticized Sotto, who became a trending topic on Twitter that day.{{cite news|last1=Reyes|first1=Pauline|title=Netizens react to Tito Sotto's appalling comments about single mothers|url=https://pop.inquirer.net/2017/05/netizens-react-to-tito-sotto-single-mothers/|access-date=May 29, 2017|publisher=InqPOP!|date=May 3, 2017}} Some social media users even reminded him that his daughter, Ciara Sotto, is also a single mother.{{cite news|last1=Catolico|first1=Gianna Francesca|title=Danica Sotto: Spare Ciara from Tito Sotto's 'na-ano' issue|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/224540/danica-sotto-spare-ciara-from-tito-sottos-na-ano-issue|access-date=May 29, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 5, 2017}} Singer-actress Lea Salonga, who was single-handedly raised by her mother, decried Sotto's remarks. Celebrity single mothers Pokwang, LJ Reyes, Geneva Cruz, and Claudine Barretto also denounced Sotto's remarks and expressed support for single mothers.{{cite news|title=Lea Salonga, Pokwang hit those who insult single mothers|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/03/17/lea-salonga-pokwang-hit-those-who-insult-single-mothers|access-date=May 29, 2017|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=May 3, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Custodio|first1=Arlo|title=Celebrities join outcry over Sotto's 'na-ano lang' remark|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/celebrities-join-outcry-sottos-na-ano-lang-remark/325947/|access-date=May 29, 2017|work=The Manila Times|date=May 7, 2017}}
In an interview after the hearing, Sotto apologized and claimed that Taguiwalo was not offended by his remarks. He reasoned that perhaps people were just "overly sensitive" and did not "understand the joke".{{cite news|last1=Tatad|first1=Gabbie|title=Anong sabi mo, Tito Sotto?|url=http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/2017/05/07/1697320/anong-sabi-mo-tito-sotto|access-date=May 29, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 7, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Aben|first1=Elena|title=Sotto apologizes for 'single parent' remark|url=http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/03/sotto-apologizes-for-single-parent-remark/|access-date=June 7, 2017|work=Manila Bulletin|date=May 3, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Adel|first1=Rosette|title=Sotto 'apologizes' for comment at Taguiwalo confirmation hearing|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/03/1696372/sotto-apologizes-comment-taguiwalo-confirmation-hearing|access-date=June 7, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619203715/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/03/1696372/sotto-apologizes-comment-taguiwalo-confirmation-hearing|archive-date=June 19, 2017|url-status=dead}} He also added:{{blockquote|"I will be the last person in this country to disrespect a woman because my mother was one of the founders of the Women's Rights Movement … I have two daughters who are separated, single, and have children so I don't think there should be big fuss about it."}}
On May 4, Secretary Judy Taguiwalo accepted Sotto's apology, but clarified that "the apology does not fully capture the extent of the gravity of what his 'joke' implied." She also asserted that despite accepting Sotto's apology, she will not tolerate misogyny, anti-women comments, and attacks towards solo parents. Taguiwalo also thanked Sotto for supporting her confirmation as DSWD secretary. She, however, also thanked those who expressed their condemnation of Sotto's statements, and those who supported her and all solo parents.{{cite news|last1=De Jesus|first1=Julliane Love|title=Taguiwalo: I accept Sotto apology, but I don't tolerate misogyny|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/894607/taguiwalo-i-accept-sotto-apology-but-i-dont-tolerate-misogyny|access-date=June 7, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 5, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Ayalin|first1=Adrian|title=Taguiwalo says Sotto apology 'enough'|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/17/taguiwalo-says-sotto-apology-enough|access-date=June 7, 2017|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=May 4, 2017}}
Despite Sotto's apology, and Taguiwalo's acceptance thereof, eight women's and workers’ groups filed an ethics complaint against the senator on May 10, 2017. Among these groups were Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific and Partido ng Manggagawa. The said groups claimed that the aforementioned apology was insincere and that Sotto normalized patriarchal views and trivialized the abandonment of responsibility over children. The complaint was filed with the Senate committee on ethics and privileges, of which Sotto is the chairman. Sotto welcomed the complaint and declared his intention to go on leave from his committee as soon as he receives the complaint officially.{{cite news|last1=Adel|first1=Rosette|title=Sotto faces ethics complaint over remark on unmarried mothers|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/10/1698631/sotto-faces-ethics-complaint-over-remark-unmarried-mothers|access-date=June 8, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 10, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Lardizabal|first1=Cecille|title=Women's groups file ethics complaint vs Sotto over 'na-ano' gaffe|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/10/womens-groups-ethics-complaint-sotto.html|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513073105/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/10/womens-groups-ethics-complaint-sotto.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Torres|first1=Sherrie Ann|title=8 groups file ethics complaint vs Sotto for 'na-ano lang' remark|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/10/17/8-groups-file-ethics-complaint-vs-sotto-for-na-ano-lang-remark|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=May 10, 2017}}
On May 9, the Federation of Solo Parents in Luz vi min (FSPL) approached Senator Sotto in his office and requested his support for the passage of amendments to Republic Act No. 8972, or the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000. These amendments included discounts on medicine, hospitalization fees, clothing, tuition, milk, and vitamins for solo parents and their children. In a statement, Sotto said that he is "ready and willing" to fight for the rights of single parents and assured the group that the amendments will be passed before December 2017.{{cite news|last1=Avendaño|first1=Christine|title=Sotto now working to improve 'Solo Parents' law|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/895528/sotto-now-working-to-improve-solo-parents-law|access-date=June 8, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 9, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Torres|first1=Sherrie Ann|title=Single parents' group mulls making Tito Sotto their 'champion'|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/05/04/17/single-parents-group-mulls-making-tito-sotto-their-champion|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=May 4, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Cabato|first1=Regine|title=Sotto eyes passing solo parents welfare amendments by December|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/22/Sotto-solo-parents-welfare-December.html|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=CNN|date=May 22, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922051028/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/22/Sotto-solo-parents-welfare-December.html|url-status=dead}}
On August 7, 2017, Sotto filed a resolution for the Senate Blue Ribbon committee to investigate the alleged unexplained wealth of Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista.{{cite news|last1=Roxas|first1=Pathricia Ann|title=Sotto wants probe on Comelec chief's alleged 'unexplained' wealth|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/920890/sotto-wants-probe-on-comelec-chiefs-alleged-unexplained-wealth|access-date=August 12, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=August 7, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Terrazola|first1=Vanne Elaine|title=Senator calls for probe on Bautista|url=http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/08/07/senator-calls-for-probe-on-bautista/|access-date=August 12, 2017|work=Manila Bulletin|date=August 7, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812211541/http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/08/07/senator-calls-for-probe-on-bautista/|url-status=dead}}
At the start of the 18th Congress in 2019, Sotto regained his position as the 3rd highest ranking official in the Philippine government after he was re-elected as its Senate President. Sen. Panfilo Lacson administered the oath of Sotto. In his valedictory speech, he emphasized that the Senate will continue to be as independent but yet cooperative in the plans of the Duterte administration. Sotto, who served as Majority Floor Leader in his years way back in the Senate secured the support of his co-senators especially those in the majority. On the other hand, Senators Ralph Recto, Migz Zubiri and Franklin Drilon also regained their post after they were re-elected as Senate President Pro-Tempore, Majority Floor Leader and Minority Floor Leader, respectively.
=2022 vice presidential campaign=
{{further|2022 Philippine presidential election|Panfilo Lacson 2022 presidential campaign}}
File:Lacson-Sotto Supporters Rally QMC Court Tito Sotto speech (Quezon City; 04-09-2022).jpg, Quezon City on April 9, 2022]]
On March 23, 2021, Sotto stated that he and fellow Senator Panfilo Lacson were being persuaded to form a tandem,{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Christia Marie|title=Lacson to run for president in 2022 with Sotto as his vice president|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1462129/lacson-to-run-for-president-in-2022-with-sotto-as-his-vice-president|access-date=November 1, 2021|newspaper=Inquirer News|publisher=INQUIRER.net|date=July 20, 2021|location=Manila, Philippines}} but the two senior legislators were still reluctant on deciding if they will file a candidacy together or individually, and when he was asked in an interview if he would run for higher office in the coming elections since he is term-limited and barred from running a third consecutive term as Senator, Sotto said that he is still undecided.
In May 2021, Sotto revealed his contemplation on running for vice president in 2022 during a television interview on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC).{{cite news|last=Tamayo|first=Bernadette E.|title=Sotto eyes vice presidency|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/05/31/news/sotto-eyes-vice-presidency/1801362|access-date=November 1, 2021|work=The Manila Times|publisher=The Manila Times, Publishing Company|date=May 31, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Christia Marie|title=Sotto to 'definitely' team up with Lacson in 2022 if latter runs for president|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1442794/sotto-to-definitely-team-up-with-lacson-in-2022-if-latter-runs-for-president|access-date=November 1, 2021|newspaper=Inquirer News|publisher=INQUIRER.net|date=June 7, 2021|location=Manila, Philippines}} Later on June 7, Sotto declared that if Panfilo Lacson decides to run for president in the 2022 election, he will "definitely" run as vice president in tandem with Lacson. By July 20, Sotto and Lacson made a press release revealing that they will run as a tandem in 2022,{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Christia Marie|title=Lacson to run for president in 2022 with Sotto as his vice president|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1462129/lacson-to-run-for-president-in-2022-with-sotto-as-his-vice-president|access-date=November 1, 2021|newspaper=Inquirer News|publisher=INQUIRER.net|date=July 20, 2021|location=Manila, Philippines}} with the formal launch of their candidacies being held on September 8, the first campaign launch to be taped and edited before broadcast in Philippine history.{{cite news|last=Talabong|first=Rambo|title=In campaign launch, Lacson and Sotto say 'enough' of Duterte|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/lacson-sotto-say-enough-duterte-campaign-launch-september-8-2021|access-date=November 1, 2021|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=September 8, 2021|location=Manila, Philippines}}
Sotto and Lacson's platforms include restoring trust in the government and a better lifestyle for Filipinos,{{Cite web |date=2021-09-09 |title=Lacson, Sotto launch 2022 tandem, vows to restore Filipino's trust in government |url=https://dzrh.com.ph/post/lacson-sotto |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=DZRH News |language=en}} with solutions that revolved around addressing corruption. Sotto and Lacson planned to initiate an anti-corruption drive, reform the national budget, and digitalize government services.{{Cite web |last=Bordey |first=Hana |date=January 22, 2022 |title=Lacson to prioritize anti-corruption drive, budget reform, digitalization of gov't services if elected president in Eleksyon 2022 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/819159/lacson-to-prioritize-anti-corruption-drive-budget-reform-digitalization-of-gov-t-services-if-elected-pr/story/ |access-date=April 28, 2022 |website=GMA News Online |language=en |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428043035/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/819159/lacson-to-prioritize-anti-corruption-drive-budget-reform-digitalization-of-gov-t-services-if-elected-pr/story/ |url-status=live }}
Sotto only placed 3rd in the unofficial tally, eventually losing to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/25/final-official-tally-marcos-duterte-on-top-with-north-of-31m-votes-each/|title=Final, official tally: Marcos, Duterte on top with over 31M votes each|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=May 25, 2022|access-date=May 25, 2022|last=Quismorio|first=Ellson}}{{Cite web |last=Tan |first=Lara |date=May 25, 2022 |title=Marcos Jr. officially proclaimed president-elect |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/5/25/Bongbong-Marcos-proclaimed-Philippines-president-2022.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620033847/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/5/25/Bongbong-Marcos-proclaimed-Philippines-president-2022.html |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=CNN Philippines}}{{Cite web |last=Quismorio |first=Ellson |date=May 25, 2022 |title=Final, official tally: Marcos, Duterte on top with over 31M votes each |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/25/final-official-tally-marcos-duterte-on-top-with-north-of-31m-votes-each/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230416160458/https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/25/final-official-tally-marcos-duterte-on-top-with-north-of-31m-votes-each/ |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=Manila Bulletin}} On the next day, Sotto officially conceded, being quoted “The people have made their choice. I accept the will of the People,” he said.{{cite web |last1=Talabong |first1=Rambo |date=May 10, 2022 |title=Sotto concedes to Duterte |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/tito-sotto-concedes-winner-vice-presidential-race-2022/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Rappler |quote=“The people have made their choice. I accept the will of the People,” Sotto said}} Meanwhile his running mate Lacson, on the other hand, also lost his bid for president to Bongbong Marcos, placing fifth with nearly a million votes.
Political positions
Sotto has been described as a conservative by the local media{{Cite news|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/rh-push-overshadowed-sotto-leni-condom-talk/307686/|title=RH push overshadowed by Sotto, Leni condom talk {{!}} The Manila Times Online|date=January 19, 2017|work=The Manila Times|access-date=November 24, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/08/women-for-change/|title=Women for Change|work=Manila Bulletin News|access-date=November 24, 2018|archive-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124105703/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/08/women-for-change/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://politics.com.ph/tito-sotto-slams-facebook-for-anti-catholic-censorship/|title=Tito Sotto slams Facebook for anti-Catholic censorship|date=April 14, 2018|work=Latest Philippine News Today|access-date=November 24, 2018|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808211652/https://politics.com.ph/tito-sotto-slams-facebook-for-anti-catholic-censorship/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/203248-tito-sotto-list-accomplishments-bills|title=LIST: Tito Sotto's accomplishments, bills signed into law|work=Rappler|access-date=November 24, 2018}} because of his positions regarding social issues, owing to his Roman Catholic background. He has vocally expressed his opposition against measures on reproductive health and women's rights.{{Cite news|url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/55852/tito-sottos-crusade-and-the-ghost-of-pepsi-paloma|title=Tito Sotto's Crusade and the Ghost of Pepsi Paloma|work=SPOT.PH|access-date=November 24, 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2017/1/20/fresh-scoops/aiza-seguerra-opposes-senator-tito-sottos-take-on--142020|title=Aiza Seguerra opposes Senator Tito Sotto's take on DOH's promotion of safe sex {{!}} PUSH.COM.PH: Your ultimate showbiz hub!|last=Leary|first=Joan|website=Push|access-date=November 24, 2018}}
Sotto had been pushing for the restoration of the death penalty since he took office as a senator in 1992. He changed his stance on the penalty in 2021 when he entered the vice-presidential race in the upcoming 2022 presidential election, believing life imprisonment to be a better alternative. He and his presidential running mate Panfilo Lacson agree that the issue should be concentrated on improving jail conditions, advocating the construction of regional penitentiaries where criminals convicted of a heinous crime could be incarcerated if not in New Bilibid Prison.{{cite web |last=Perez-Rubio |first=Bella |title=Lacson, Sotto reverse long-standing support for death penalty |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/11/04/2139033/lacson-sotto-reverse-long-standing-support-death-penalty |website=Philstar.com |date=November 5, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2021}}
Controversies
=Issues surrounding the Pepsi Paloma rape case=
{{Main article|Pepsi Paloma#Rape case and aftermath}}
In 1982, the 15-year-old actress Pepsi Paloma accused Sotto's brother Vic Sotto and comedians Joey de Leon and Richie D'Horsie of gang raping and taking photos of her on June 21 in a room at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City.{{cite news |last1=Rodis |first1=Rodel |title=The rape of Pepsi Paloma |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207141007/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma |archive-date=December 7, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Rodis |first1=Rodel |title=Was Pepsi Paloma murdered? |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205185956/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2017 }} On July 31, Rey dela Cruz, Paloma's talent manager, lodged a formal complaint with Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile. On August 18, Paloma filed charges of rape and acts of lasciviousness against the three television personalities before the Quezon City fiscal's office.{{cite news|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/who-magazine-pepsi-paloma-through-tito-vic-joey-a00203-20180706-lfrm|title=It Hurts Only When They Laugh|last=del Carmen|first=Cristina P.|date=September 29, 1982|publisher=Who}} The crime of rape at the time, carried the death penalty in the Philippines, and to prevent his brother and cohorts from being sent to the electric chair, Sotto quickly went to see Paloma while she was still securing the services of Atty. Rene Cayetano. According to Paloma, Sotto coerced her into signing an "Affidavit of Desistance" to drop the rape charges against his brother and cohorts{{cite news|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma|title=The rape of Pepsi Paloma|last=Rodis|first=Rodel|date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627133530/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma|archive-date=June 27, 2018|url-status=dead|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}—Sotto had allegedly placed a pistol on the table in front of Paloma when he went to talk to her.{{cite news|url=http://opinion.inquirer.net/40064/jimmy-savile-and-our-own-lovable-louts|title=Jimmy Savile and our own 'lovable louts'|last=Jimenez-David|first=Rina|date=November 3, 2012|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}
In exchange for the dismissal of the charges of rape, the accused issued a public apology towards Paloma, stating:
{{Blockquote
|text="We hope that you will not allow the error we have committed against you to stand as a stumbling block to that future which we all look forward to. We therefore ask you to find it in your heart to pardon us for the wrong which we have done against you."{{cite news |title=_ |work=People's Journal |date=October 13, 1982}}
}}
Three years later, Paloma was found dead in an apparent suicide.{{cite news|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered|title=Was Pepsi Paloma murdered?|last=Rodis|first=Rodel|date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627133351/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered|archive-date=June 27, 2018|url-status=dead|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}} Dela Cruz was murdered years later.{{cite news|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/notes-and-essays/-i-thought-i-was-the-son-of-pepsi-paloma-a1948-20170720-lfrm5|title=I am the son of a dead '80s bold star.|last1=Smith|first1=Chuck D.|date=July 20, 2017|work=Esquire}}
On May 29, 2018, Sotto made a request to the online news site Inquirer.net to have the March 2014 articles by United States-based columnist Rodel Rodis removed: "The rape of Pepsi Paloma" and "Was Pepsi Paloma murdered?". The articles stated that he used his political connections to influence the outcome of the Pepsi Paloma rape case.{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/205081-tito-sotto-inquirer-take-down-articles-pepsi-paloma-rape|title=Sotto asks Inquirer to remove articles on Pepsi Paloma|last=Rey|first=Aika|date=June 18, 2018|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}} After 34 years, in March 2016, Sotto denied involvement in the Pepsi Paloma rape case, stating that it was a gimmick of Dela Cruz.{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/191427/tito-sotto-denies-whitewashing-pepsi-paloma-rape-case|title=Tito Sotto denies whitewashing Pepsi Paloma rape case|last=de Jesus|first=Totel|date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619112159/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/191427/tito-sotto-denies-whitewashing-pepsi-paloma-rape-case|archive-date=June 19, 2018|url-status=dead|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}
In response, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) asked, "Does he believe his status and authority as Senate President give him better chances of having the stories taken down?"{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/205638-inquirer-defers-contributions-rodel-rodis-pepsi-paloma-sotto|title=Inquirer news site defers using contributions by 'Pepsi Paloma' writer|first=Lian|last=Buan|website=Rappler|date=June 24, 2018}}
On July 4, 2018, Inquirer.net took down the articles that Sotto had requested to be removed from their website.{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1007453/inquirer-net-statement-on-the-pepsi-paloma-stories|title=INQUIRER.net statement on the Pepsi Paloma stories|last=Ulanday|first=Abelardo|date=July 5, 2018|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/206504-inquirer-pepsi-paloma-articles-unavailable|title=PHILIPPINES Inquirer news site's Pepsi Paloma articles now inaccessible|last=Rey|first=Aika|date=July 4, 2018|publisher=Rappler}} The NUJP condemned the takedown and issued a statement calling it "one of the darkest days in the annals of Philippine journalism".{{cite tweet|number=1014516712966934528|author=NUJP|user=NUJP|date=July 4, 2018|publisher=National Union of Journalists of the Philippines|title=[STATEMENT] NUJP on @inquirerdotnet's take down of Pepsi Paloma articles|}}
As an unintended example of the Streisand effect, Sotto's takedown request of the Inquirer.net articles renewed public interest in the Paloma gang rape case.{{cite news|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/beware-the-streisand-effect-tito-sotto-a00203-20180618-lfrm|title=Beware The Streisand Effect: a Short Explainer for Sen. Tito Sotto|last1=Esquire Philippines|date=June 18, 2018|work=Esquire}}
=Accusations of plagiarism=
In 2012, Sotto was accused of plagiarizing several passages{{cite web|last=Alfredo|first=Melgar|title=Sotto's Reckless Method of Legislation is Inexcusable|url=http://filipinofreethinkers.org/2012/08/15/sottos-reckless-method-of-legislation-is-inexcusable/|publisher=Filipino Freethinkers|access-date=August 23, 2012|date=August 15, 2012}} in a speech opposing the Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippine Senate. Several news agencies reported that Sotto had taken the passages from a 2011 blog entry by Sarah Pope. Sotto asserted that he was quoting Natasha Campbell-McBride, who was referenced in the blog post. Pope, upon learning of the controversy, confirmed Sotto's plagiarism on August 16, 2012 in another entry to her blog, strongly criticizing Sotto for the plagiarism, for denying it, and for his stance on contraceptives. She also remarked that she did not intend to sue. Meanwhile, Sotto's chief of staff admitted to using the blog post and failing to attribute Pope's work. Pope responded to the comment again criticizing Sotto's stance on the Reproductive Health Bill. On August 17, Sotto reasserted his defense saying: "I made a blanket disclosure. I mentioned beforehand my attributions, that I had many sources (of information in my speech) so I have admitted that. I have made a disclosure, so what’s their problem with that? They probably thought I’m trying to pass myself off as knowledgeable (on the subject) when in fact I’m not, supposedly, Where is the plagiarism there? They think that’s plagiarism. So come on, sue me." Villacorta said he saw nothing wrong with using Pope’s blog without attribution because it "is public domain" and "blogs are not covered by copyright. It is a new media and there is no jurisprudence yet."
A few days later, South China Morning Post journalist, Raissa Robles also called out Sotto for plagiarizing five bloggers and a briefing paper – which includes a blog titled The Truth of Contraceptives, a blog titled Feminists for Choice, a blog titled Talking Sense by Marlon Ramirez, a New York University blog publishing works by birth control activist Margaret Sanger, and a briefing paper published by the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute. Robles also remarked that Sotto would be championing digital piracy, she remarked: "Atty. Villacorta said that the Internet is free. (sic) This would mean that Senator Sotto would be championing digital piracy"
On November 9, 2012, Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of late American senator Robert F. Kennedy and president of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, wrote a public letter to Senator Sotto accusing him of flagrantly and deceptively plagiarizing the Robert F. Kennedy's 1966 Day of Affirmation speech in his remarks to the Philippine Senate last September 5, 2012.{{cite news|last1=Syjuco|first1=Miguel|title=Kennedy to Sotto: 'This is a clear case of plagiarism'|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/15858-kennedy-to-sotto-this-is-a-clear-case-of-plagiarism|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=November 10, 2012}} Sotto has since issued an apology to the Kennedy family, but tenaciously refused to admit that he committed plagiarism in his speech. Sotto reasoned that the allegedly plagiarized passage was obtained from a text message sent by a Christian leader, which he then translated into Filipino as he found it fit for his speech without knowing that the words were Kennedy's. He also argued that he never claimed the ideas and words as his own, therefore he did not plagiarize.{{cite news|last1=Macaraig|first1=Ayee|title='I'm sorry,' Sotto tells Kennedy family|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/16045-sotto-to-kennedy-i-m-sorry|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=November 13, 2012}}
Sotto was one of the two senators who have inserted provision on libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or Anti-Cybercrime Law.{{cite news| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/facebooks-like-may-land-filipinos-in-jail/ | first=Barnaby | last=Lo | publisher=CBS News | date=September 29, 2012 | title=Facebook's "like" may land Filipinos in jail | access-date=May 10, 2015}} However, he denied that he did so in retaliation for the "cyberbullying" he received from Filipino netizens who criticized his alleged plagiarisms. Instead, he claimed that he intended to penalize those who release celebrity sex tapes and to allow the corresponding victims to seek redress.{{cite news|last1=Bordadora|first1=Norman|title=Sotto admits he proposed online libel provision|url=http://technology.inquirer.net/17718/sotto-admits-he-proposed-online-libel-provision|access-date=June 8, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=October 2, 2012}}{{cite news|last1=Macaraig|first1=Ayee|title=Sotto: E-libel verdict 'vindicates' me|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/50911-sotto-lawmakers-reactions-sc-ruling-cybercrime-law|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=February 18, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Malig|first1=Jojo|title=Sotto added libel in anti-cybercrime law|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/09/18/12/sotto-added-libel-anti-cybercrime-law|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=September 19, 2012}}
Personal life
Sotto is married to Helen Gamboa, a beauty queen, actress, and singer. They have four children including Gian Carlo and Ciara, and eight grandchildren, including Vicente IV.{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/anc/08/13/12/teary-eyed-sotto-blames-contraceptives-sons-death|title=Teary-eyed Sotto blames contraceptives for son's death|first=David|last=Dizon|work=ABS-CBN News|accessdate=July 3, 2022|date=August 13, 2012}} Sotto is a devout Catholic.
Actors Oyo Boy Sotto and Miko Sotto (1982–2003) are his nephews. Singer-actress Sharon Cuneta is also his niece.{{cite news|title=Sharon Cuneta apologizes on behalf of Tito Sotto for single mother remark|url=http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/168969-sharon-cuneta-speaks-up-tito-sotto-single-mother-remark|access-date=June 19, 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=May 5, 2017}}
In the 2010 elections, his son Gian Carlo was elected councilor of Quezon City's 3rd District and served for three consecutive terms before being elected as the vice mayor of the city in the 2019 elections, while his daughter Diorella Maria "Lala" was elected in the 6th District of the same city before being appointed chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board in 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/07/07/latest-stories/bongbong-marcos-taps-sen-sottos-daughter-to-head-mtrcb/1850111|title=Bongbong Marcos taps Sen. Sotto's daughter to head MTRCB|work=The Manila Times|first=Bernadette|last=Tamayo|date=July 7, 2022|accessdate=July 7, 2022}} His nephews Vico Sotto and Viktor Eriko "Wahoo" Sotto were elected mayor of Pasig and councilor of Parañaque's 2nd District, respectively.{{cite news|last1=Ligunas|first1=Mary Louise|title=The Sotto clan celebrates five election winners|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/23071/the-sotto-clan-celebrates-five-election-winners/story/|access-date=June 19, 2017|publisher=GMA News|date=May 17, 2016}}
Sotto has enlisted in the military as a reservist in the Philippine Army since 2013, ranked as Lieutenant Colonel. Prior to that, he was serving in the Philippine Constabulary, where he was a Major.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
As of 2016 he was the chairman of the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF).{{cite news|url=http://www.spin.ph/bowling/news/pbf-to-host-national-championship|title=PBF to host National Championships in effort to inspire new generation of Filipino bowlers|publisher=Sports Interactive Network Philippines|date=December 2, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016}} Sotto also plays golf and has won several tournaments.
Filmography
=Film=
==As actor==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Note(s) ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}. |
| rowspan="2" |1979
|Swing It... Baby! | | | |
|---|
| Al Magat's Mang Kepweng
| A dwende | | style="text-align:center;" | |
| rowspan="2" scope="row"| 1980
| Mr. One-Two-Three | Juan | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Iskul Bukol (Freshmen)
| | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="3" scope="row"| 1981
| Age Doesn't Matter | | Also composer |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Mr. One-Two-Three Part 2
| Juan | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Iskul Bukol 2 (Sophomore)
| | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="2" scope="row"| 1985
| Dennis Soriano | Also composer |style="text-align:center;"| |
| I Have Three Hands
| Jovito "Bitoy" Agatep | Also composer |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="2" scope="row"| 1986
| Horsey-Horsey, Tigidig-Tigidig | Johnny | Also composer |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Send in the Clowns
| Robin | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 1987
| Tyson | Also composer |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="3" scope="row"| 1988
| Fly Me to the Moon | Carlo | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Wake Up Little Susie
| David | |style="text-align:center;"| {{cite news|last=Diaz|first=Lav|author-link=Lav Diaz|title=Isa pang sirkus|trans-title=Another circus|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Standard Publications, Inc.|page=14|language=Filipino}} |
| Smith & Wesson
| | "Special participation" |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 1989
| Aso't Pusa | Pamboy | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 1994
| Himself | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 2006
| Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On | Nador | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 2008
| Iskul Bukol 20 Years After: The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure | Tito Escalera | |style="text-align:center;"| |
==As composer only==
{{BLP unsourced section|date=June 2023}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Note(s) ! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}. |
| rowspan="5" scope="row" | 1974
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
|---|
| Fe, Esperanza, Caridad
| "Esperanza" segment |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Dynamite Wong and T.N.T. Jackson
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Doctor, Doctor, I Am Sick!
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| The Exit
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="3" scope="row"| 1976
| The System | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| The Interceptors
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Makahiya at Talahib
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="2" scope="row"| 1977
| The Enforcer and the Pussycats | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Sgt. Dalanon
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="2" scope="row"| 1978
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Kampus?
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 1981
| Kasalanan Ba? | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| rowspan="2" scope="row"| 1982
| Bilanggo: Prison No. 10069 | |style="text-align:center;"| |
| Just Say You Love Me
| |style="text-align:center;"| |
| scope="row"| 1983
| Aguila sa Puting Bato | |style="text-align:center;"| |
=Television=
{{BLP unsourced section|date=June 2023}}
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Network |
|---|
| 1975–1976
| OK Lang! | rowspan="3" | Host | IBC |
| 1975–1979
| Discorama | rowspan="2" | GMA Network |
| 1976–1979 |
| 1978–1988
| Tito Escalera | IBC |
| 1979–
present{{efn|group=tv|Appeared on special occasions only from 1992 until 2023}} | Host | RPN/CNN Philippines/RPTV (1979–1989; 2024–present); ABS-CBN (1989–1995); GMA Network (1995–2023); TV5 (2023–present) |
| 1987–1989
| Hapi | rowspan="2" | IBC |
| 1991–1993
| TVJ: Television Jesters | rowspan="2" | Various |
| 1992–1993
| TVJ on 5 | ABC |
| 1994–1995
| Rock and Roll 2000 | Himself | ABC |
| 1994–1997
| Mixed N.U.T.S. (Numero Unong Terrific Show!) | Various | rowspan="2" | GMA Network |
| 1994–2000
| Host/Anchor |
| 2023–2024
| Reality Check with Tito Sotto | rowspan="2" | Host | NET 25 |
;Notes
{{noteslist|group=tv}}
See also
References
{{reflist|30em|refs=
{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/did-sotto-really-copy-a-blogger-s-article-for-his-speech-.html|title=Sotto: Why should I quote a blogger?|first=Kim|last=Patria|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=August 16, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2012}}
{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/270075/news/nation/speech-of-senator-tito-sotto-on-the-rh-bill-part-1 |title=Speech of Senator Tito Sotto on the RH Bill, Part 1 |work=GMA News |publisher=GMA Network |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=August 17, 2012}}
{{cite news |url=http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/3007-sotto-dares-bloggers-sue-me |title=Sotto dares bloggers: Sue me |work=The Daily Tribune |publisher=The Daily Tribune Publishing |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |archive-date=January 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114165640/http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/3007-sotto-dares-bloggers-sue-me |url-status=dead }}
{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/us-blogger-accuses-philippine-senator-of-plagiarism-in-heated-debate-on-contraceptives-bill/2012/08/17/2051d550-e833-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817101736/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/us-blogger-accuses-philippine-senator-of-plagiarism-in-heated-debate-on-contraceptives-bill/2012/08/17/2051d550-e833-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html |archive-date=August 17, 2012 |title=US blogger accuses Philippine senator of plagiarism in heated debate on contraceptives bill |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/10396169 |title=US blogger accuses Filipino senator of plagiarism|work=The Guardian |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |location=London}}
{{cite news |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/blogger+accuses+Philippine+senator+plagiarism+heated+debate/7103293/story.html |title=US blogger accuses Philippine senator of plagiarism in heated debate on contraceptives bill |first=Oliver |last=Teeves |work=The Gazette |publisher=Postmedia Network |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 17, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}
{{cite news|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/369969/sotto-s-chief-of-staff-owns-up-to-using-blogger-s-entry |title=Sotto's Chief Of Staff Owns Up To 'Using' Blogger's Entry |first=Rowena Joy |last=Sanchez |work=Manila Bulletin |publisher=Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 17, 2012}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUsmldyD1xJkuLOkxSvBohbh55KA?docId=efbb1292fb034da5bf694a2960906607 |title=US blogger accuses Filipino senator of plagiarism |first=Oliver |last=Teeves |agency=Associated Press |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2012}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57495328/us-blogger-accuses-filipino-senator-of-plagiarism/ |title=US blogger accuses Filipino senator of plagiarism |publisher=CBS News |date=August 17, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818191200/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57495328/us-blogger-accuses-filipino-senator-of-plagiarism/ |archive-date=August 18, 2012}}
{{cite web|url=http://thetruthofcontraceptives.blogspot.com/2010/01/case-study-use-of-contraceptives-lowers.html |title=Case Study: The Use of Contraceptives Lowers the Number of Abortions |work=The Truth of Contraceptives |publisher=Blogger (Google Inc.) |date=January 2010 |access-date=August 18, 2012}}
{{cite web |url=http://talkingsense.multiply.com/journal/item/10/Re-imaging-Life-and-Family-The-Global-Scandal?&show_interstitial=1&u=%2Fjournal%2Fitem |title=Re-imaging Life and Family: The Global Scandal |first=Marlon |last=Ramirez |work=Talking Sense |publisher=Multiply |date=September 20, 2008 |access-date=August 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821033843/http://talkingsense.multiply.com/journal/item/10/Re-imaging-Life-and-Family-The-Global-Scandal?&show_interstitial=1&u=%2Fjournal%2Fitem |archive-date=August 21, 2012}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.nyu.edu/projects/sanger/secure/newsletter/articles/gandhi_debate.html |title="Gandhi and Sanger Debate Love, Lust and Birth Control," No. 23, Winter 1999/2000 |first=Margaret |last=Sanger |author-link=Margaret Sanger |work=The Margaret Sanger Papers |publisher=New York University |orig-year=1999|year=2000 |access-date=August 18, 2012}}
{{cite web |url=http://www.c-fam.org/docLib/20100924_6_more_problems_with_WD.pdf |title=Six More Problems with Women Deliver: Why Attempts to Redefine Maternal Health as Reproductive Health Threaten the World's Women |first1=Catherine|last1=Foster |first2=Donna J. |last2=Harrison |first3=Grace |last3=Melton |first4=Amanda |last4= Pawloski |first5= Wendy |last5=Wright |editor-last=Yoshihara |editor-first=Susan |publisher=Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute |date=August 20, 2010 |access-date=August 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030132256/http://www.c-fam.org/docLib/20100924_6_more_problems_with_WD.pdf |archive-date=October 30, 2012}}
}}
External links
- [http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/sotto_bio.asp Senator Vicente C. Sotto III] – Senate of the Philippines
{{commons category}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=Elmer Pormiento
Officer-in-charge}}
{{s-ttl|title=Vice Mayor of Quezon City|years=1988–1992}}
{{s-aft|after=Alicia Herrera
Officer-in-charge}}
{{s-bef|before=Anselmo Avenido Jr.}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chairman of Dangerous Drugs Board|years=2008–2009}}
{{s-aft|after=Antonio Villar Jr.}}
{{s-par|ph-upr}}
{{s-bef|before=Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.}}
{{s-ttl|title=Minority Floor Leader of the Senate of the Philippines|years=2002–2004}}
{{s-aft|after=Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.}}
{{s-bef|before=Migz Zubiri}}
{{s-ttl|title=Majority Floor Leader of the Senate of the Philippines|years=2010–2013}}
{{s-aft|after=Gregorio Honasan
{{small|Acting}}}}
{{s-bef|before=Juan Ponce Enrile}}
{{s-ttl|title=Minority Floor Leader of the Senate of the Philippines
{{small|Acting}}|years=2014–2015}}
{{s-aft|after=Juan Ponce Enrile}}
{{s-bef|before=Alan Peter Cayetano}}
{{s-ttl|title=Majority Floor Leader of the Senate of the Philippines|years=2016–2018}}
{{s-aft||rows=2|after=Migz Zubiri}}
{{s-bef|before=Aquilino Pimentel III}}
{{s-ttl|title=President of the Senate of the Philippines|years=2018–2022}}
{{s-ppo}}
|-
{{s-vac|last=Loren Legarda}}
{{s-ttl|title=NPC nominee for Vice President of the Philippines|years=2022}}
{{s-non|reason=Most recent}}
{{S-end}}
{{Eat Bulaga!}}
{{PhilSenMajority}}
{{PhilSenMinLdrz}}
{{Philippine Senate Presidents}}
{{navboxes
|title=Senatorial history of Tito Sotto
|list=
{{9th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{10th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{11th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{12th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{15th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{16th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{17th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
{{18th Congress of the Philippines senators}}
}}{{Candidates in the 2022 Philippine presidential election}}{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sotto, Tito}}
Category:Anti-contraception activists
Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for the Philippines
Category:Asian Games medalists in bowling
Category:Bowlers at the 1978 Asian Games
Category:Candidates in the 2022 Philippine vice-presidential election
Category:Colegio de San Juan de Letran alumni
Category:Filipino actor-politicians
Category:Filipino male comedians
Category:Filipino male film actors
Category:20th-century Filipino male singers
Category:Filipino male television actors
Category:Filipino Roman Catholics
Category:Filipino film score composers
Category:Filipino ten-pin bowling players
Category:Filipino television variety show hosts
Category:GMA Integrated News and Public Affairs people
Category:GMA Network (company) people
Category:Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation personalities
Category:Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino politicians
Category:Majority leaders of the Senate of the Philippines
Category:Medalists at the 1978 Asian Games
Category:Minority leaders of the Senate of the Philippines
Category:Nationalist People's Coalition politicians
Category:Politicians from Cebu
Category:Politicians from Quezon City
Category:Politicians from Metro Manila
Category:Presidents of the Senate of the Philippines
Category:Radio Philippines Network personalities
Category:Senators of the 9th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 10th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 11th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 12th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 15th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 16th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 17th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Senators of the 18th Congress of the Philippines
Category:Male actors from Manila