Sotto optimistic about getting majority of votes in Parañaque

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III (Bibo Nueva España/ Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto expressed optimism he has a good chance of getting majority of the votes in the vice-presidential race in Parañaque City because of the key role that he played in converting the former municipality into a city.

Sotto visited the “Fashion Capital of the Philippines” on Tuesday to meet with the city’s various homeowners’ groups. He paid a courtesy call on Mayor Edwin Olivarez before he proceeded with his scheduled meetings.

Parañaque was a municipality of the province of Rizal until November 7, 1975 before it became a part of the National Capital Region. It was converted as the eleventh city of Metro Manila on February 15, 1998.

“Alam ng mga tiga-Parañaque na isa ako sa mga mambabatas sa Kongreso na nagtulak para maging siyudad ang kanilang lugar noong 1998. Hindi ako nandirito para maningil, nagpapa-alala lang ako. I was invited by my nephew at saka nung mga kaibigan namin dito sa Parañque,” Sotto said.

The Senate President cited his personal friendship with Olivarez as he openly sought his endorsement.

“Mag-kaibigan kami ni Mayor Olivarez, pati ang mga konsehal niya, ang mga congressman niya, puro kaibigan natin. Kaya ako naririto ay nanliligaw ako,” Sotto said.

Sotto said that while it would not be easy to get Olivarez’ endorsement because of a contrary choice of his political party, “that does not prevent me from courting the votes of Parañaque.”

Sotto said his determination to win the support of Parañaque residents is similar to his unflinching effort to win the vice presidency race in the May elections.

He said he and running mate Sen. Panfilo Lacson would not be distracted from their campaign and would proceed with their candidacy.

“We will continue campaigning, we will continue informing the people of our track record, what we have done for them and for the entire country and what we can do more, and then express our platform of government, explain our stand and platform reform,” Sotto said.

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