Tito Sotto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tito Sotto
Sotto in 2018
23rd President of the Senate of the Philippines
In office May 22, 2018 – June 30, 2022
Preceded by	Aquilino Pimentel III
Succeeded by	Migz Zubiri
Senate Majority Leader
In office July 25, 2016 – May 21, 2018
Preceded by	Alan Peter Cayetano
Succeeded by	Migz Zubiri
In office July 26, 2010 – July 22, 2013
Preceded by	Migz Zubiri
Succeeded by	Gregorio Honasan (acting)
Senate Minority Leader
In office July 28, 2014 – August 24, 2015
Preceded by	Juan Ponce Enrile
Succeeded by	Juan Ponce Enrile
In office June 3, 2002 – June 30, 2004
Preceded by	Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
Succeeded by	Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
Senator of the Philippines
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2022
In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2004
Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board
In office July 2008 – November 2009
President	Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Preceded by	Anselmo Avenido Jr.
Succeeded by	Antonio Villar Jr.
12th Vice Mayor of Quezon City
In office February 2, 1988 – January 1, 1992
Mayor	Brigido Simon, Jr.
Preceded by	Amado Zabala (OIC)
Succeeded by	Alicia Herrera (OIC)
Personal details
Born	Vicente Castelo Sotto III (1948-08-24) August 24, 1948 (age 76) Manila, Philippines
Political party	NPC (2007–present)
Other political affiliations	LDP (1988–2007)
Spouse	Helen Gamboa ​ (m. 1969)​
Children	4 (including Gian, Lala, and Ciara)
Relatives	Sotto family
Residences	Quezon City, Metro Manila
Alma mater	Colegio de San Juan de Letran (BA)
Signature
Nickname	Tito
Military service
Allegiance	Philippines
Branch/service	Philippine Army Philippine Constabulary
Years of service	2013–present (PAR) 1998–2013 (PCR)
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel Major
Commands	1502nd Infantry Brigade (Ready Reserve)
Musical career
Also known as	Tito Sen
Genres	OPM, Manila sound
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1960–1988
Associated acts	VST & Company
Tito Sotto Sport Country  Philippines Sport Bowling Medal record Representing  Philippines Men's Bowling Asian Games Bronze 1978 Bangkok Trios

Vicente Castelo Sotto III (born August 24, 1948), known as Tito Sotto, is a famous Filipino politician, actor, entertainer, and athlete. He served as the 23rd Senate President from 2018 to 2022. He also held roles like Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader.

Tito Sotto was a Senator for four terms: from 1992 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2022. This makes him one of the longest-serving Senators in the Philippines. Before becoming a Senator, he was the Vice Mayor of Quezon City from 1988 to 1992.

Outside of politics, Sotto is a talented songwriter. He co-founded the popular music group VST & Co. with his brothers Vic and Val Sotto. This group is known for pioneering the "Manila sound" in Filipino music. He is also a well-known co-host of Eat Bulaga!, one of the longest-running TV variety shows in the Philippines. People often call him "Tito Sen." As an athlete, he was part of the Philippine national bowling team and won a bronze medal at the 1978 Asian Games.

About Tito Sotto's Early Life & Education

Vicente Castelo Sotto III was born on August 24, 1948. His parents were Marcelino Antonio Ojeda Sotto Sr. and Dr. Herminia Castelo Sotto. He has three siblings: Valmar, Marvic Valentin, and Marcelino Antonio Jr.

His grandfather, Vicente Sotto, was also a senator. His granduncle, Filemon Sotto, helped write the 1935 Constitution.

Tito Sotto went to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila. He studied there from elementary school all the way through college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Tito Sotto's Entertainment Career

Tito Sotto started his career in the 1960s with a band called Tilt Down Men. Later, he became the vice president of Vicor Music Corporation. In 1977, he was the singer for a group called Bluejeans.

He is famous for writing the music for "Balatkayo" by Anthony Castelo. He also formed the Manila sound group VST & Company. The letters "VST" are his initials. One of his most famous songs is "Magkaisa", which became an anthem for the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Tito Sotto's Political Journey

Serving Quezon City as Vice Mayor (1988–1992)

Tito Sotto served as the Vice Mayor of Quezon City from 1988 to 1992. He started the Vice-Mayors' League of the Philippines and was its first president. During this time, he also became the Vice Chairman of Citizens' Drugwatch.

First Terms as a Senator (1992–2004)

Sotto was first elected to the Senate of the Philippines in 1992. He received the most votes in that election. He was the third person from his family to become a Senator. He served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader and chaired several Senate committees.

In 1998, he was re-elected to the Senate, finishing third overall. After his second term, he ran for Senator again in 2007 but was not successful.

Third Term as a Senator (2010–2016)

Tito Sotto was elected to the Philippine Senate again in 2010. He became the Majority Leader of the Senate in July 2010. This role meant he helped manage the laws being discussed in the Senate. He also chaired the Committee on Rules.

In July 2013, Sotto stepped down as Majority Leader. He then became part of the Senate minority group. He was chosen as the Deputy Floor Leader for this group.

In 2013, Sotto proposed a bill to give all employees a 14th-month salary. He explained that a year has 52 weeks, which is 13 groups of four weeks, suggesting that the 13th-month pay isn't truly a bonus.

Fourth Term & Senate Presidency (2016–2022)

Sotto in 2016.

Senator Sotto was re-elected in the 2016 elections, finishing third among the candidates. In July 2016, he was again elected as Majority Leader for the 17th Congress. He also chaired the Senate committees on rules and ethics.

In May 2017, during a hearing, Sotto made comments about a government official who was a single parent. These comments were seen by some as insensitive. Many people, including women's groups and other public figures, criticized his remarks.

Sotto later apologized, saying he did not mean to offend anyone and that the official herself was not offended. He also mentioned that his own daughters are single mothers. Despite his apology, some groups filed a complaint against him.

Following this, Sotto met with a group called the Federation of Solo Parents in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao (FSPL). He promised to support new laws to help single parents and their children, including discounts on medicine, hospitalization, and tuition.

In 2019, at the start of the 18th Congress, Sotto was elected as the Senate President. This is the third-highest position in the Philippine government. He promised that the Senate would remain independent but also work with the President's plans.

Running for Vice President in 2022

Sotto speaking at a campaign rally at Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City on April 9, 2022

In May 2021, Tito Sotto shared that he was thinking about running for vice president in the 2022 elections. In June, he confirmed he would run if Panfilo Lacson ran for president. They officially launched their campaigns together in September 2021. Sotto finished third in the vice-presidential race.

Tito Sotto's Political Views

Tito Sotto is often seen as a conservative politician because of his views on social issues, which are influenced by his Catholic faith.

He has supported bringing back the death penalty since he first became a senator. However, in 2021, when he ran for vice president, he changed his view. He now believes that life imprisonment is a better option. He and his running mate, Panfilo Lacson, believe it's important to improve jail conditions and build new prisons for serious criminals.

Tito Sotto's Personal Life

Tito Sotto is married to Helen Gamboa, who is a beauty queen, actress, and singer. They have four children, including Gian Carlo and Ciara, and eight grandchildren. He is a devoted Catholic.

His nephews include actors Oyo Boy Sotto and Miko Sotto. Singer-actress Sharon Cuneta is also his niece.

Many members of his family are also involved in public service. His son, Gian Carlo, was elected councilor and then vice mayor of Quezon City. His daughter, Diorella Maria "Lala", was also a councilor and later became the chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. His nephews, Vico Sotto and Viktor Eriko "Wahoo" Sotto, are also elected officials.

Sotto has served in the military as a reservist in the Philippine Army since 2013, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Before that, he was a Major in the Philippine Constabulary.

He is also passionate about sports. As of 2016, he was the chairman of the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF). He also enjoys playing golf and has won several tournaments.

Tito Sotto's Film & TV Work

As an Actor in Films

As a Film Composer

Television Shows

Images for kids

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  Sotto in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Tito Sotto para niños