Vicente Sotto

Vicente "Tito" Sotto III

Running for Vice President

Controversies

Sotto accused by the Kennedy clan of plagiarizing part of a speech by the late US Senator Robert F. Kennedy

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III maintained his denial of plagiarism claims on Tuesday, nearly six years after he was accused of plagiarizing a speech from the late US Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
May 2018

Sotto asks Inquirer to remove articles on Pepsi Paloma

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has requested that publications linking him to the infamous 1982 rape of sexy actress Pepsi Paloma be removed from the website Inquirer.net.
May 2018

Sotto's 'Bayang Magiliw' mistake slammed by netizens.

In his interview with Rappler on plagiarism, Sotto referred to the Philippine national anthem as "Bayang Magiliw," rather than its official title, "Lupang Hinirang," as netizens pointed out. The anthem's first line is "Bayang magiliw," and while mistaking it for the song's title is common, netizens had high expectations for their new Senate president.
May 2018

Sotto threatens to sue Rappler and columnist for piece on RH budget cut

Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III has threatened to sue Rappler and one of its columnists unless the news site removes an opinion item about a P1 billion contraceptive allotment that was cut from the national budget. Rappler responded to Sotto's letter through managing editor Glenda M. Gloria, assuring the senator that the news site "means no harm or malice" when it publishes stories like Claudio's.
February 2018

Sotto demanded the resignation of Chito Gascon, the chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, for criticizing Duterte

Sotto called for the resignation of Commission on Human Rights Chairman Chito Gascon for criticizing Duterte. "If you work for an institution, or you're with an institution, speak well of it. Otherwise, resign then, damn it."
September 2017

Sotto criticized for saying single mothers are 'na-ano lang' (just got knocked up) to Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, a solo parent

In May 2017, Sotto stated this at Taguiwalo's confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA). "Senator Sotto, I teach women's studies. We respect all kinds of families and that includes solo parents. Thank you," Taquiwalo responded. Despite the jest, Sotto stated he supported Taguiwalo.
May 2017

Sotto criticized for “victim-blaming” on Eat Bulaga’s 'Juan for All, All for Juan' segment

During the program, the segment winner discussed how a male acquaintance took advantage of her when she was intoxicated, and Sotto indicated that the lady shouldn't have been drinking in the first place. Sotto justified his remarks, claiming that they were made in the name of freedom of expression: "What I was looking at really was, there should be a preservation of institution of marriage. When you're married, you act like a married man or a married woman."
July 2016

Sotto denies whitewashing Pepsi Paloma rape case

After 34 years, incumbent Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III denied any involvement in the infamous Pepsi Paloma rape case. “Hindi totoo ‘yan. Gimik yan ni Rey dela Cruz,” Sotto said in a radio interview on Thursday.
March 2016

Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism reported that Sotto was accused of harboring links with drug lord Alfredo Tiongco

Sotto was accused of having ties to drug lord Alfredo Tiongco, who allegedly funded Sotto's 1992 senatorial campaign, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism in 1997. Sotto denied any ties, but said he requested police protection for Tiongco, who approached him after getting death threats, according to Sotto.
1997