Tito Sotto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tito Sotto
Sotto in 2018
Senate Minority Leader
Incumbent
Assumed office July 28, 2025
Preceded by	Koko Pimentel
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
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2025
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2022
In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2004
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)
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 77) Manila, Philippines
Political party	NPC (2007–present)
Other political affiliations	LDP (1988–1997, 1998–2007) KAMPI (1997–1998)
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 "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.

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 in 2016

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

Sotto speaking at a campaign rally in Quezon City in 2022

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

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  Sotto in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Tito Sotto para niños

• Pepsi Paloma
• Spoliarium (Eraserheads song)