Tito Sotto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tito Sotto
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![]() Sotto in 2018
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Senate Minority Leader | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Assumed office July 28, 2025 |
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Preceded by | Koko Pimentel | |||||||||||||||||||||
In office July 28, 2014 – August 24, 2015 |
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Preceded by | Juan Ponce Enrile | |||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Juan Ponce Enrile | |||||||||||||||||||||
In office June 3, 2002 – June 30, 2004 |
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Preceded by | Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Senator of the Philippines | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Assumed office June 30, 2025 |
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In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2022 |
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In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2004 |
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23rd President of the Senate of the Philippines | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In office May 22, 2018 – June 30, 2022 |
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Preceded by | Aquilino Pimentel III | |||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Migz Zubiri | |||||||||||||||||||||
Senate Majority Leader | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In office July 25, 2016 – May 21, 2018 |
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Preceded by | Alan Peter Cayetano | |||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Migz Zubiri | |||||||||||||||||||||
In office July 26, 2010 – July 22, 2013 |
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Preceded by | Migz Zubiri | |||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Gregorio Honasan (acting) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In office July 2008 – November 2009 |
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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 |
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Mayor | Brigido Simon, Jr. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Preceded by | Amado Zabala (OIC) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Succeeded by | Alicia Herrera (OIC) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Personal details | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Born |
Vicente Castelo Sotto III
August 24, 1948 Manila, Philippines |
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Political party | NPC (2007–present) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other political affiliations |
LDP (1988–1997, 1998–2007) KAMPI (1997–1998) |
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Spouse |
Helen Gamboa
(m. 1969) |
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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 | ![]() |
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Nickname | Tito | |||||||||||||||||||||
Military service | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allegiance | ![]() |
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Branch/service | Philippine Army Philippine Constabulary |
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Years of service | 2013–present (PAR) 1998–2013 (PCR) |
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Rank | ![]() ![]() |
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Commands | ![]() |
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Musical career | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Also known as | Tito Sen | |||||||||||||||||||||
Genres | OPM, Manila sound | |||||||||||||||||||||
Instruments | Vocals | |||||||||||||||||||||
Years active | 1960–1988 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Associated acts | VST & Company | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Vicente "Tito" Castelo Sotto III (born August 24, 1948) is a Filipino politician, TV host, and musician. He is well-known for serving as a senator for many years. He is the longest-serving senator in the country's history, having been elected for five terms.
As a senator, he held important jobs like Senate President from 2018 to 2022. He was also the Majority Leader and Minority Leader. Before becoming a senator, he was the vice mayor of Quezon City. In 2022, he ran for vice president of the Philippines.
Outside of politics, Tito Sotto is a famous songwriter. He started the popular band VST & Co. with his brothers. He is also a co-host of Eat Bulaga!, the longest-running TV show in the Philippines. Many people call him "Tito Sen."
Sotto was also a talented athlete. He was on the Philippine national bowling team and won a bronze medal at the 1978 Asian Games.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Tito Sotto was born on August 24, 1948, in Manila. His parents were Marcelino Antonio Sotto Sr. and Dr. Herminia Castelo-Sotto. He has three brothers: Val, Marvic (better known as Vic), and Marcelino Jr.
His family has a history in politics. His grandfather, Vicente Sotto, and his granduncle, Filemon Sotto, were also senators. His grandfather was known for writing the Press Freedom Law, which protects journalists.
Sotto went to Colegio de San Juan de Letran for his elementary, high school, and college education. He earned a degree in English.
Entertainment Career
Sotto's career in entertainment began in the 1960s. He was part of a band called the Tilt Down Men with his brother Val. Later, he became a vocalist for a group called Bluejeans.
He is most famous for forming the band VST & Company with his brothers. The band was a pioneer of the "Manila sound" style of music. Sotto wrote many songs, including "Magkaisa". This song became an anthem during the People Power Revolution in 1986, a major event in Philippine history.
Political Career
Vice Mayor of Quezon City
From 1988 to 1992, Sotto served as the vice mayor of Quezon City. During this time, he started the Vice-Mayors' League of the Philippines and became its first president. He also worked with an organization called Citizens' Drugwatch.
First Terms in the Senate
In 1992, Sotto was elected to the Senate of the Philippines. He received almost 12 million votes, the highest number in that election. This made him the third person in his family to become a senator. He was re-elected in 1998 for another term.
In 2001, he and other senators led protests to show support for former president Joseph Estrada.
Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board
From 2008 to 2009, Sotto was the chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board. This government agency is in charge of fighting illegal drugs in the Philippines. He was appointed to this position by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Return to the Senate
Sotto returned to the Senate after winning in the 2010 election. He was elected as the Majority Leader, which meant he helped manage the Senate's daily business.
In 2013, he filed a bill to give all employees a "14th-month pay" every year. He said this would be fair because there are 13 four-week periods in a year.
Later, he became the acting Minority Leader. This role involves leading the senators who are not part of the majority group.
Senate President
Sotto was re-elected as a senator in 2016. He was once again chosen as the Majority Leader.
In 2018, he was elected Senate President, which is the highest position in the Senate. He was re-elected to this role in 2019. As Senate President, he promised that the Senate would work with the president's plans while still being independent.
During his time as a senator, he supported a bill to help single parents. He met with a group called the Federation of Solo Parents and promised to help pass a law giving them discounts on things like medicine, clothes, and school fees for their children.
2022 Vice Presidential Campaign
In 2021, Sotto announced that he would run for vice president in the 2022 election. He ran alongside Senator Panfilo Lacson, who was running for president.
Their campaign focused on fighting corruption and improving the lives of Filipinos. They wanted to make the government more trustworthy and use technology to improve services.
Sotto finished third in the election, which was won by Sara Duterte. After the results came in, Sotto said, "The people have made their choice. I accept the will of the People."
Personal Life
Sotto is married to Helen Gamboa, who is a well-known actress and singer. They have four children: Gian Carlo, Diorella Maria ("Lala"), Ciara, and another child. They also have eight grandchildren.
His family is very involved in public service. His son, Gian Carlo, is the vice mayor of Quezon City. His daughter, Lala, is the chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. His nephews, Vico Sotto and Wahoo Sotto, are also in politics.
Sotto is also a reservist in the Philippine Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Besides bowling, he also enjoys playing golf.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Tito Sotto para niños
- Pepsi Paloma
- Spoliarium (Eraserheads song)